Do not go gentle into that goodnight,

 

Jiyeon watched him gazing out into the starry sky for hours. It wasn't like he wasn't sometimes introspective. But at somepoint she figured he'd get bored of looking into an empty abyss of tiny flickers. 

It wasn't like the cameras were filming anymore. They had wrapped up the last of the guests the night before and had taken up Hyori's kind offer to stay an extra day.

With a little encouragement from Sangsoon, she decided to play a little prank him. Creeping up silently, Jiyeon did her best to hold her breath as not to rustle a single blade of grass. 

Sitting on a lawn chair in the backyard of Hyori sunbae's nice house, he was completely susceptible to a surprise attack.

Softly taking steps forward, she was actually slightly disappointed he didn't turn around. Daniel was usually quite observant. 

She placed her arms out in front of her, ready to pounce on the ignorant boy.

Sniffle.

Was that what she thought it was?

It couldn't be... Daniel?

Sniffle.

Was he crying?

Jiyeon immediately placed her arms down, and backed away. Her mind started to fill with empty theories. What was wrong? 

She needed to comfort him somehow, what would a spunky drama character do? 

I mean granted, Daniel wasn't exactly the definition of a cold heartless CEO. 

"Jiyeon?" 

During her inner monilogue, she noticed that Daniel was staring towards her.

"Oppa." She found herself rushing over. "What's wrong?" 

Cupping his face between her hands, she noticed that not only were his eyes bloodshot, but there were multiple trails streaming down his face.

"I'm going to miss it (you)."  bogo sipeul geoya

"Huh?" Jiyeon questioned, unsure whether his vague statement was referring to the house, the show, or... the people?

Slowly, she felt his strong arms slide around her waist and forcefully pull her onto his lap.

He rested his heavy head into hers, his watery eyes dampening her hair.

"I'm going to miss this." 

Unable to resist his powerful skinship, Jiyeon found herself just giving in and enjoying his company.

Was it somewhat strange seeing a sentimental Daniel? Yes, but after dating for so long, it was nice to see new sides of him that she didn't often see. 

Besides, given the premise of the reality show, it was natural to feel emotional after meeting people of all walks of life.

"Me too." She decided on as her answer. "I'm glad we got to experience this together." 

There was no answer, but his unceasing grip on her spoke essays into her mind. 

If she could go back to that moment, 10 minutes of exposure into a deeply fearful boy. 

Her, none the wiser. Far too hypnotized underneath starry skies, peace and tranquility intercepting any clues she could've picked up on. 

In those 10 minutes, what would she have said to him? 

Perhaps she would've comforted him fervently.

Or maybe she would've just told him repeatedly how much she loved him. 

Instead, she would live to regret that moment day after day. 

 

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

 

Jiyeon knew she couldn't go with him.

The press would undeniable be lying in waiting, just to get a shot of them together, and would easily spoil whatever emotional parting moment they could possibly have. 

Instead, they had spent the night together in the now nicely furnished house that she was going to live in. Thankfully, both Jiyeon and Daniel's mothers were expert interior designers and helped the two of them pick out perfect furniture for a newlywed home.

Back to the present, there was a gentle glow that shone through a tiny crack in the automated blinds. Jiyeon had purposely fidgeted with them for this reason, the modern marvels, far to advanced for any hint of humanity to creep through on its own. 

Like many nights, Jiyeon opened her eyes to a blur. Tears, had unknowingly formed through the night as she braced for his expected absence.

She didn't care if she had done this just a year before and they had been fine.

Even if their relationship was now no longer veiled in secrecy, and perfectly supported by many around them. 

Saying goodbye was never easy. 

"Goodbye." She found herself whispering. 

He was still asleep, his handsome face centimeters apart from hers, strands of his freshly cut brown hair seeping into his eyes. 

"Goodbye." She repeated, unsure why part of her start to yearn for him before he even left. 

There was something different about this time. With all of his strange behavior, all of her strange dreams... to sum it up, Jiyeon feared him leaving now more than ever. 

As if on cue, she felt a cold sensation pressing against her cheek, as she noticed he had extended his fingers onto her face. 

"Jiyeon..." He was grinning, his gentle eyes gazing directly at her. "I'm going to miss you." 

"Oppa... can you not go?" She wasn't expecting him to take it seriously, but somehow the words just came out.

His expression changed, his eyes glowed, not with care, but with sadness. It wasn't like him. It wasn't like Daniel at all. 

"Sorry." He whispered. 

Why didn't he joke about it? Why didn't he and tell her he'd stay even if he wasn't going to. Perhaps just that could provide a sense of solace for her growing concern.

"I love you." 

I love you too Daniel. 

Jiyeon would come to regret not saying the words as he rolled out of bed to get ready for the day. 

"Do you think this is ok?" He held up a hanger with a crisp white t-shirt and grey blazer with matching slacks. 

Jiyeon didn't even have to see him try it on, to know he'd look good in it. 

I love it. 

"Ya, I purposely hung it up there because I know it'll look good on you." Jiyeon grumbled feigning disatisfaction . 

"Ah, really? I forgot." He apologized with a goofy smile while simultaneously scratching his nape. 

There was a million opportunities for her to jump off their bed to embrace him. Instead she sat quietly, watching as he packed up his final belongings into his suitcase. 

Jiyeon barely found energy to finally emerge from her room to watch him descend to the 1st level where his manager was likely already waiting. 

"Goodbye Yeon-ah." 

It was a one-sided farewell hug, his arms wrapped tightly around hers, while she struggled to reciprocate. 

She didn't want this to be their farewell. But she couldn't seem to muster the courage to release the pent-up emotions either. 

Watching from the steps, her eyes watered helplessly with disappointment, as she felt an immense amount of anxiety with his immediate absence. 

She felt it the moment the door closed— Why did it feel so wrong, when everything pointed to perfection. 

Her comeback was coming up, so she had plenty to distract herself with. 

The press had quieted on their relationship, and anticipation for their variety show appearance was peaking. 

So why?

 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light

 

It's late. He's laying wasted against the sofa, his arms trembling as they pathetically reached towards his laptop. 

There's a bottle of golden liquor on the nightstand, almost completely consumed save for about an eighth of liquid. 

Who was this mysterious figure? 

The apartment he resided in looked so familiar? 

The unfurnished interiors, and barren wallpapers. Large industrial windows and sheer white curtains. 

A few seconds passed before she realized it was Daniel's apartment in downtown Philidelphia. The background so familiar from their frequent video chatting.

So why did it look so dreary? Why did he look so deflated? 

She knew this was a dream, but she had never dreamed of the present. Especially one so vividly of the present. 

She could see the clock, the date, it was today's date. 

It was like an actual CCTV footage was being broadcasted into her dream.

He's moving now, his eyes tearing up as he types furiously into his laptop. 

But, it doesn't last long. His fingers betraying the lack of words he can find to type. 

What is he typing that he looks so upset? 

Then, in a frenzy he throws the laptop against the glass coffee table in front of him. Thankfully, the aluminum macbook doesn't have enough force to shatter through the glass.

However, he doesn't stop there, swiping his arm towards the bottle onto the ground, the alcohol container shattering into shards all across the wooden flooring. 

He screams and wails loudly. 

Just watching it pains her. Just hearing the agony in his voice makes her heart start to twist. She can feel his suffocation. 

She wants to reach out, to comfort him. But she's not there. 

Slowly, he begans to melt down, weeping furiously into his arms, curling up against the sofa. 

He begans to mumble to himself, his words totally jumbled through the sobs, to the point she can't distinguish a single thing.

But one thing is apparent. He's in immense pain. Mentally. 

"Are you curious?"  There was definitely a voice, but it wasn't his. It wasn't from anywhere within the apartment.

Cold as winter, strangely lifeless, if that was even possible to imagine in a voice. 

Then in a blur, the entire scene vanishes, revealing a bitter black abyss. 

She's alone, she has feeling now, but there's nothing to feel. Is this what lucid dreaming feels like?

Emptiness. 

"You must be curious. Why is he like that?" 

 

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

 

She's standing on an island. A sandy spotch in the center of blue waters that stretch as far as her vision. 

"Jiyeon... please... please never find out. Please just stay in the darkness." It's his voice, speaking from above. 

Her eyes wander 360 degrees, but she's alone. The water the only possible source of noise, in such an isolated place. 

"Daniel?" She cried aloud, searching desperately for her lover. But, her feet stumble through the sand, sending her tumbling down the peak of the island to the bottom. Her feet are adjacent to the water, a wave rushing in going so far as to encase her toes in clear liquid. 

All of this felt so real? How was it possible?

"He was here. Standing where you were. Between the lines of fate, daring to defy the inevitable." It was the voice from before. 

"Who are you?" She questioned, slowly lifting herself onto her feet.

"The one who gave you him." 

"What? What are you talking about?" Jiyeon must've looked insane shouting into the empty sky, but she didn't care. 

"It's unfortunate, but you were never meant to have a happy ending." 

"Happy ending, what the hell are you talking about?" She found herself raising her voice in frustration and agony. 

"Don't tell me you we're so naive as to believe that someone as pathetic and insignificant as you could deserve such a perfect man." 

Her hands balled up into fists upon hearing the taunting voice. 

For a voice without any emotion, it sure had a way of pissing someone off. 

"Did you really think he would fall in love with you? He's just the victim of a cruel fate to be tied to you." 

If Jiyeon had never at least once allowed those thoughts to cross her mind, she might've been more affected. However, she had considered them all before, and he had crushed them all with his affection. 

Daniel loved her. There was no getting around it. 

"You're lying!" She retorted. "You're lying, I gave him a million ways out. I pushed him away to the point I wanted to die, and he still came to me." 

She wasn't sure why she was reasoning to some strange voice she didn't even know. But, the anger that burned inside was finally being released. 

"Impressive, you're stronger willed than I realized." 

Suddenly, the clouds above began to darken. The seas below turning an instant navy. A single lightning bolt flashed onto waters a couple Km away, stirring much higher waves around the island. 

"You're right... I've tempted him myself. But, his naive love for you doesn't seem to waiver." The voice spoke once again, but it was different now.

There was a sense of humanity inside of it now.

"That's why I am running out of options. I wasn't lying when I said you were tied together by a cruel fate." 

"A cruel fate?" 

"Remember?" At that moment, all of the dreams began to blur through her mind. 

Remember?

Remember... how could she forget how real those nightmares felt. 

 

~2023

Walking towards the memorial stone, pain surging through her heart as she held it in for the sake of her son.  

“Omma why do you always come here?” The boy questioned curiously staring at the large stone with flowers all around it.

“Because Daehan-ie, a special person passed away and is buried here.” Jiyeon explained, lowering herself eye level to her son.

“Ahh.” He glanced towards the stone plate, unaware that carved on it was the name of his biological father. “Da-ni-yeul.” 

Jiyeon pat her son on the head proudly, keeping her composure, though just hearing his name made her waver. 

“That’s right. His name was Daniel.”

"His name is pretty similar to my name." Daehan remarks.

 

~2018

"Thanks for everything... I love you." Jiyeon whispered as she snuggled tightly into his embrace. 

"Yeon-ah. Please... please not now." He pleaded in a hushed voice. 

"Omma, Appa! Look over here!" Michelle shouted from the coastline, her feet covered in sand as she pranced back and forth between waves. 

The California coastlines somehow peaceful, considering how perfect the weather was to be outside. 

She could feel it fading, her will, her strength, her life. 

Gazing into his desperate eyes, the terrified tears that formed as he tried to process what was happening. 

"I finally found happiness... because of you." She gently traced her fingertips along his strong arm. 

"Jiyeon, please. I finally found you. Don't go... not already. I'm sorry." 

"Tell Michelle I love her and I'm sorry I could never be her mom."

And with that Jiyeon took her final breath. 

 

~2013

"Daniel-ssi, you need to leave."

“What are you talking about?” She could see the confusion in his eyes. 

It was distressing in so many ways. If only he wasn't so perfect, if only he wasn't everything she wanted. Then, maybe pushing him away would be easier. 

“I’m done with you.” She reaffirmed herself, she needed to do this. For him.

“We’re done.”

Horror slowly crept onto his face, as he rushed in front of her. 

“Why?” He questioned. 

“I know I’m selfish. But I just want you to stay as my friend. I don’t want to risk losing you, so I want us to just be friends.” She lied. 

She could see the doubt in his eyes... after all it didn't make sense. Despite his experience in relationships, his love for her was so pure that it could be felt. 

It was so apparent that he still believed himself to be the one chasing after her, when his feelings were completely reciprocated.

They loved each other. But unbeknownst to him, she loved him more. 

She cared about him enough to take advantage of his insecurity. 

“Jiyeon.” Slowly he began to process her words and accept her lie. “You mean that?” 

Of course she didn't. 

“I appreciate all that you’ve done for me, and I wanted to repay you with this fantasy. But it’s over Daniel. It’s just like you said 'a fantasy'. Think of this as me repaying you.” Jiyeon mustered up every ounce of her acting ability to keep a straight face. 

He began to breath frantically, he was upset, and he had every right to be. 

“So you just want me to stay by your side… as your friend?” He repeated coldly, his yearning for her to change her mind. 

Jiyeon dug her nails into her palm. “Now leave.” 

Daniel turned around, gathering his things into his hands. 

"Then, that's all I'll be." She could see how much pain he was in just by his slumped shoulders.

Was this really what she wanted? 

Could she even live with herself if she did this?

There was a second of hesitation, before she stampeded forward and threw her arms around his waist. 

"Wait." 

Daniel's usually firm body felt shockingly timid as she held him. 

"Do you even know how hard it is for me to let go like this?" She wailed in frustration to a completely innocent boy. 

She must've looked like a psychopath, pushing him away so suddenly, and then holding onto him.

"Yeon-ah..." He swiftly dropped his bags onto the ground. 

"Why are you pushing me away? Really?"

"My career is falling, but you have so much... you have so much to live for. I'm just going to get into your way." She admitted her grip on his shirt tightening even further. 

"Is that why you want to end this?" He was being delicate as usual, ensuring something that seemed so obvious in her eyes. 

He slowly turned around to face her. A hint of hope returning to his expression.

But of course it wasn't. She had just trampled on his feelings, what was he supposed to think?

"Daniel, I know you're skipping things, important meetings for me. I don't want to be a hinderance to you too. You'll only grow to resent me later." 

His mouth hung open for sometime as he seemed to realize she wasn't as oblivious as he might've thought. 

"Jiyeon. I'm sorry." He finally spoke. 

"Me too. I should've just told you the truth. But I'm scared... really scared that you might sacrifice your career. And I know its wrong, but I'm too selfish to do the same—"

She was cut off by his tight embrace. Daniel's strong arms finding themselves around her shoulders, his scent engulfing her senses. 

It was so calming.

"I won't sacrifice my career. I'll find a way to make this work... so please... please don't break up with me." He pleaded, his breathing shaky and frantic.

Being held by him, it made her bend to his voice. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to make this work just as much, even if she knew it was stupid. 

"I promise... I'll make this work for both of us." Daniel expressed as his cheek brushed against her hair. 

"I love you too. Don't doubt that." Jiyeon murmured as she snuggled against his shoulder. 

...

"Flight OZ214 from Asiana Airlines to San Francisco International Airport is departing soon at Gate 5." 

Daniel gazed into her eyes, as he stood at the entrance to the Security checkpoint. 

"The next time you see me, I'll be a real NBA player." Daniel commented as he stretched out his arms for a final embrace. 

Jiyeon gladly reciprocated it, as her slender body pressed against him. 

"Go get them. I'll be cheering for you." 

Daniel couldn't help but smile as he slowly released her from his hold. 

There was something about the way her large eyes and pretty smile looked at him, that made him feel a sense of confidence in himself. 

Coming to Korea seemed like such a long time ago, in the 2 weeks he had been here, he felt like he had experienced an entirely new life. 

He was dating the girl of his dreams, and going back would undoubtedly bring a lot of stress and he'd be busy 24/7. But knowing she would still be there for him.

He felt like he had a foundation. He wanted to succeed now, for her, for them.

"Bye." Daniel walked away with his suitcase, his eyes still glued to her grin. 

Jesus, why was she so pretty? It took all of him to actually make it through security. 

He called her for the entire 30 minutes that he waited before boarding the plane. 

He even paid for the in-flight wifi to text her while he was onboard. 

Daehan: I miss you already

Jiyeon: You just told me that

Daehan: It doesn't make it not true

Jiyeon: I miss you too pabo-ya

Daehan: Did you make it back ok?

Jiyeon: Mhmm, I'm at Inna's apartment right now

Daehan: I would say, tell her hi for me

Daehan: But all of your friends are too famous

Jiyeon: And I'm not a celebrity?

Daehan: My fingers are shaking even as I text

Jiyeon: Get some sleep

Jiyeon: You'll have a lot of work to do when you get back

Daehan: I want to talk to you longer

Jiyeon: Call me when you get there

Daehan: fine

Daehan: I love you

...

ABC7news: Nation in shock after tragic passing of upcoming NBA draft prospect Daniel Choi in plane crash onboard Asiana flight 214.

 

"No. No. No. No!" She was clutching her gut tightly as she came too. 

Time is subjective over the course of your dreams, she might've visited hundreds of her dreams, maybe more. All of them becoming uncomfortably real. 

She could feel the pain inside of her as she watched one of them slowly fade into the empty abyss of lifelessness. 

No matter how many decisions she changed, whether she had her scandal, whether she never broke up with him, it was all meaningless. They were doomed, destined to never be together. 

"There were other universes?" Jiyeon found herself wondering in absolute horror. 

That was the only answer. What other conclusion could be drawn from what she had just watched? 

"In a couple million universes, there has yet to be a single one where the two of you survive together." The voice admitted. 

"But this universe... something strange happened. When you were the one whose lifespan should've sputtered out, instead his shortened a considerable amount." 

Hers was the one that should've ended? Jiyeon scrambled, wracking her brain to try and figure out what that meant. 

Did that mean? She was the one who should've died already? When? And how?

"That's right. It was his pure will and desire that allows you to breathe today." 

That's when it hit her. She knew exactly when she should've expired. The day of her kidnapping, she had felt herself drift into a dark and empty abyss, only to reawaken in the hospital. She had often wondered if that was the metaphorical 'life flashing before your eyes' moment. 

"So... he knows?" Jiyeon inquired about the one thing that could've answered all of her fears. 

All of the strange feelings that seemed to point towards him leaving her forever... all of those might be true.

"He knows." 

Jiyeon felt her legs buckle beneath her, all of that pain, all of that terror, all of that fear. He was shouldering it alone. 

"Since when?" She had to know. 

"Since the start of his 300 days, a few days before your engagement." 

How could he? How could he be so selfish? 

She was on her knees now, tears flooding down her cheeks, as she buried her face into her hands. 

He must've felt so lonely. How did he not resent her? Or did he... and he just didn't tell her. 

"Then how?" She barely managed to squeak out. "How can I save him?" 

She would do anything. She knew he would sacrifice his own life without a single expectation. Somehow she needed to muster up the courage to do the same. 

"Please... tell me how to save him." She pleaded. "I'll do anything." 

 

 

Because their words had forked no lightning

 

Loud American music was blaring through the speakers, streams of confetti poured from the rafters.

The tall handsome Korean American wore a towel over his hair as he walked into the tunnel leading out of the arena. 

He had no clue, he had no idea, that she had come all the way. Taken the next flight out to meet him. She hadn't contacted her manager, agency, or anything. 

There was something far more important to discuss than her ing stardom. 

Thankfully his manager had agreed to allow her to wait here for him, figuring she had come to surprise him. 

So an oblivious Daniel was greeted by Mike, there was a subtle grin on his face. But, Jiyeon knew it was a lie, he was dying... how could he be happy?

Slowly, Daniel's eyes wandered from his manager to her. 

His eyes widened immediately, recognizing her even through the bill of the baseball cap. 

"Daniel." She took a step forward, he took a step back. 

"Daniel." She repeated, drawing closer and closer. 

His manager whispered into his ear, before leaving them alone.

"Daniel we need to talk." She must've rehearsed their confrontation a million times on the plane ride over. 

Going so far as to ignore his messages, as not to allow herself to be waivered. 

"Daniel, don't do this." She pleaded as she forced her face into his damp jersey. 

Her grip around his back began to tighten as her pure helplessness began to sink in. 

"Please, don't die." 

He felt cold, like a statue, his athletic body devoid of any motion. 

Slowly, she felt a pair of hands wrap themselves around her, pulling her tightly into his embrace. 

"Yeon-ah. What are you talking about?" He was lying. She knew now. 

"Don't lie, you idiot! I know. I know you think it's ok for you to just leave me." 

She felt his entire body start to tremble, his face expressing a mixture of shock and horror. 

...

“You knew?” Daniel coughed struggling to comprehend what he was hearing. 

Tears in her eyes, she nodded furiously, her small hands balled up into fists, both swinging aimlessly from her sides. Just like the coward he was, Daniel couldn’t bare to look her in the eyes anymore. 

“How are you ok with this?” 

He didn’t have an answer to that question.

“How have you been holding this in?” 

She took another step forward, a powerful movement that almost forced him backwards. 

“Why did you hide this from me?” 

I never wanted you to find out.

“Oppa!” She raised her hand, Daniel tracing its uncertain pathway to either his face or maybe his shoulder. Either, well warranted. 

Thankfully it stopped halfway, freezing just a few centimeters from his cheek. 

“Say something! Say something so I can understand.” 

Instead of her hand colliding against him, her entire body did. A forced embrace that honestly, Daniel couldn’t find a way to reciprocate. 

“Say something! Please… anything… please…”

“I’m sorry.” He whispered the only words he could seem to say.

“Tell me you’re not going to die. Tell me that I’m wrong… Please!” She pleaded, her frantic eyes searching for a false answer to her question. 

“I don’t understand everything Jiyeon, but I know what I saw.” 

What did you see?

Her eyes did the talking when no words seemed to come.

“I saw you die in front of me. I saw a hundred universes… in all of them… in all of them I couldn’t save you. I couldn’t do anything. I watched you die Jiyeon.” He found himself recounting the strange visions he had on the beach. 

“If there’s some universe, if there’s some miracle that you live. Then I don’t care at what cost. I want you to live.” 

It sounded stupid. It sounded like a quote from cheesy melodrama movie. But it was the truth. Dying was scary and depressing, but living without her… that sounded like hell. 

“I don’t understand.” She scoffed, but the words were not towards him.

No, they were directed towards whatever deity had intertwined their fates in such a cruel manner. 

“Why you? Why me?” 

I wish I knew. I really wish I knew.

He finally reciprocated her embrace, squeezing her close, as he could feel her quivering body finally let loose of all of the pent up dismay. 

“Why you?” She screamed into his shirt.

“It’s ok. It’s ok.” He tried his best to comfort, when his own hatred began to creep out. 

It was personal now. Not only did this person bring his impending doom, but it also brought sadness to her. 

“It’s all my fault. If i had just died...” 

None of it is your fault. He wanted to say those words. But he wasn’t sure the words could even form anymore. All of his energy was used to hold her tight, provide comfort and assurance to her. 

“Jiyeon, we’ll find an answer together ok? So please don’t cry.” He knew it was pointless to say, but he didn’t care. 

He couldn’t bare seeing her in this shape. It hurt him more than the thought of death. 

“I’m not going to die. Ok? I’ll find a way for us to be together.” 

All lies. All of these were lies. 

“You’re lying.” She called him out immediately. 

“You wouldn’t have run away like this if you were looking for a way. You wouldn’t have run away from me.” 

She was right. He had run away from her. Turned to the one thing he had control over, in hopes to find a way to live his last days not worrying. 

But he couldn’t. Every moment he thought of her. Every second, he missed her. Instead of peace, he bounded into depths of darkness that seemed way worse than ever loving her. 

“Don’t do anything. Don’t do anything anymore, I’ll take care of everything.” She whispered. 

“I’ll save you. I promise.” 

Daniel didn’t say anything, instead he ran his fingers along her cheek. Wiping away whatever stray tears remained, her innocent eyes, glimmering as he found himself unable to avert anymore. 

“Don’t cry… please.” He requested, his neck outstretching towards her. 

Then they locked lips, a yearning that could finally be answered. Unity, and so much more. 

"Let's just... let's just love until then." He pleaded. "Please." 

Jiyeon didn't say anything. 

 

Do not go gentle into that good night

 

"It's beautiful." She points out. 

Both of them are standing on the wooden pannels of the Philidephia riverwalk, gazing at the impressive skyline above them. 

Like Seoul, Philidelphia has a large river intersecting the river, the Schuylkill River. Its obviously not as wide as the Han-gang, but it has its own charm. 

It's slightly cold, the snow has already gone with the winter, but in its wake is the cold air left to dwell before the arrival of spring. 

She feels him slide his arm around her shoulder, as they stand in front of the railing. 

He's silent, but she can feel his words through his warm touch. Thanks for being here with me.

She feels a slight nudge against her side, and sees him holding out his airpod case. 

Jiyeon promptly takes one and sticks it into her left ear, as to allow her right ear access to his voice. 

Daniel takes out his phone and begins scrolling through his playlist. 

There's a gentle guitar chord progression. 

It's oddly emotional. 

We know that this won't last
Not like it used to

The song is in English, but Jiyeon can understand bits and pieces. 

And I'm okay with that
But not if I lose you

"Who is this?" He has a beautiful voice, even if it is somewhat sad. 

"Jeremy Zucker." 

I can feel it in my bones
Sinking deeper in the overflow
Can you feel it in your soul?
If I'm honest

Jiyeon continues to listen, as her gaze shifts from the large concrete skyline to the handsome contemplative expression of her fiance. 

His eyes remain stagnant as he seems to seamlessly drift out of the real world into a state of deep thought. 

It sparks curiousity in her. 

What is he thinking about?

Maybe we're better off alone
Maybe we're better off alone
Maybe we're better off
Maybe we're better off alone
Maybe we're better off

It's only one line, but somehow its something that Jiyeon has been thinking about. Could they? 

It seemed impossible. 

I won't turn my back
Now that you want to
And if there's nothing left
Why does it haunt you, oh

"I like this song." She comments wondering if he is even listening. 

He seems to return back to their planet, as he meets her gaze. He grins goofily, and starts to gently rub circles into her back.

"It's good isn't it? I like his voice." 

"Me too." Jiyeon agrees.

There's a moment of silence, as she stares intently into his eyes. 

Without a single word, Daniel leans towards her. Usually Jiyeon would brush him away with her hand, scared of simply releasing too much affection in a short amount of time. 

But, they don't have time for that anymore. Not when his lifespan is a ticking timer. 

She snatches his lips between hers, as she lightly sinks her teeth into his lips. 

His hands find themselves cupping her cheeks, and their kiss grows more passionate.

Could she really give up on this? 

Was it even possible to fulfill the final request of the mysterious voice? 

Maybe we're better off alone

Maybe we're better off alone

 

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright

 

"Goodnight." Both of them knew what today was. 

Today was Day 300. Today was his final day.

Their final 50 days together had flown by, as Jiyeon stayed by his side at almost every moment. She would cheer loudly from the stands as Daniel played out the rest of the NBA season. It ended just 4 days ago, and in 4 days the playoffs would start. 

Of course he wouldn't make it to the first game. Despite the success of their team during the regular season, making it as the 2nd seed in the Eastern conference.

Daniel would never even have the possibility to compete for a championship. 

But, that was the least of his frustrations. 

The wedding was one. Their families had agreed to postpone it, despite Jiyeon's avid protests. 

She wanted them to marry before the final day, but Daniel wouldn't hear it. He wasn't going to tie her down like that when he couldn't even be there for her. 

They were in their apartment. The one in Philidelphia, a luxury penthouse at the top of a building that he was renting for the rest of the season. 

It was very much like in New York, unfinished brick walls and large industrial windows. Daniel thought about closing the blinds, but he didn't feel like it. 

The view of the Philly skyline and bright sparkling stars above was just far too fantastic to shut out.

"I'm not going to sleep." Her voice was stern as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

He knew she had been counting the days as well. How could she not?

"Yeon-ah, we should get some rest. I'll wake you up in the morning ok?" Daniel suggested. 

Jiyeon didn't answer instead squeezing her hands against his t-shirt even tighter. Both of them knew that it was a promise he wouldn't be able to ensure. 

He didn't know exactly, but he figured at somepoint in the night he'd experience a . Who knew if it would be long and painful or an instant death? It honestly terrified him. 

"Daniel, I love you." She gripped his hand out of the blue, her head leaned against his chest. 

"Me too." 

He began to gently his fingers through her long hair, finding a sense of peace in the motion. 

Whatever happened, she would be right by his side.

It wasn't that he was disappointed, but perhaps their long date that stretched the entire day before had tired her out. Jiyeon fell into a deep slumber within an hour. 

Daniel pondered waking her, but he also figured it'd be better this way. He didn't want her to watch whatever happened. 

Watching her snuggle soundly into his shoulder, he couldn't help but smile brightly, she was just so pretty. 

"I love you Jiyeon." 

Little did he know, that while he watched her from beside, waiting patiently for his final seconds. Jiyeon had already traveled far from his side, to a desolate location to meet an unknown diety.

All of this was unknown to him of course. 

...

"Did you decide?" The voice asked the moment she drifted into her sleep. 

"I did." She's back on the beach. 

Her bare feet completely entrenched in sand. 

Her first time on the beach, she had pleaded for his life. For any possible way to allow her to save his life. Even if it meant her sacrificing herself, she didn't care. 

But, there was no way. Her lifeline had already regrown itself on a healthy pace. Nothing she did could change that in this universe at least. 

This was the only way... this was the only way... yet it seemed impossible to make the choice. At least until today. 

"You'll live in agony with the memories... and yet not understand any of them. Are you ok with that?"

This was the solution, instead of living in this universe, her conscience and his would travel to another universe and make the only choice that could save their fate. 

Their consciences would populate the bodies of an entirely different reality and live seperate lives avoiding ever meeting. Then... then they could both live.

Jiyeon had pondered a million possibilites before then, but this was the only way. That was why instead of worrying, she had given into his request on their first meeting. 

She gave him all of her love, held back nothing in the last 50 days. Knowing that this would be their end. 

She could start to understand him now. Understand how he had lied to her for so long, and held it in. 

"I'm ready." A tear crept down the left side of her cheek, as she prepared for a reality so painful it kept her up at night. 

"Then welcome to your new reality." 

 

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,

 

.2011

Jiyeon hesitated as she stared at the door to their hotel room. Both Hyomin and Eunjung were already fast asleep in the nice Las Vegas bedroom.

She had planned on exploring a little, making full use of their limited vacation to experience everything the 'Land of the Free' had to offer her. 

But, the moment her hand touched the knob, her heart started to throb. It was like a vicious guilt was keeping her from exiting her room. 

There was no harm in just creeping out for a few hours was there? Most likely nobody would even know she was missing. 

After such a frustrating day, filled with racism, uncomfortable ogling and more, the teenage Jiyeon just needed some air. 

She finally affirmed herself to try again. She reached for the door knob. 

It struct in an instant.

Pain... she almost collapsed as she crumpled to her knees. She couldn't do it. Was she diabetic? Had the filet mignon gotten to her?

Finally regaining her strength, Jiyeon decided to take a large glass of water to wash all the sodium down for the night. 

Then, instead of going out, she decided to throw herself on the couch and start watching some TV. 

Watching the television she started to lose conscience. Slowly lulling herself to sleep from the undistinguishable english words. 

She figured, perhaps she wasn't meant to go out that night.

...

He had wandered aimlessly for about 15 minutes, before finally noticing an overhead bridge that led to the other side of the street. 

Daniel slowly recognized his surroundings, and had a good idea of where he was. He knew how to make a loop so that he would eventually make his way back to his hotel. 

His friends were probably drunk and asleep already, but he figured he'd gotten an appropriate amount of air, even if he still had the same lingering questions.

He was walking on the overpass, when he stopped. He saw two drunk men struggling to make it to the otherside. A rather disgusting sight. 

Both were shady characters, the type that might suddenly gain unfounded confidence to approach a woman way past their league. 

On a side note, why was that the analogy he thought of? 

Something felt missing. For some reason, he felt expectant as he had climbed the dirty steps of the bridge. Like his heart had started to accelerate only to face a steep disappointment with an empty sight.

There was nothing. 

It didn't make sense. 

Was there supposed to be something? 

Daniel frowned, of course there was nothing. What crazy idiot came out at midnight in Vegas, besides drunks and hookers. 

He was just projecting his depression on some hope that maybe he'd meet the girl of his dreams. 

Of course he wouldn't. Things like that didn't exist. 

What an idiot. He was such an idiot. 

Of course, being the idiot he was, he figured he'd just have to confront his sadness somehow. 

As he descended the steps on the other side down towards the sidewalk, he reached for his cell phone. 

The moment he unlocked it, he realized his mistake. His wallpaper still the picture of him and Hannah. 

Her slender figure encased in the pretty cheerleading outfit. Why was he so weak for her? 

Maybe because she was all he had. 

He must've been insane but he found himself hovering his thumb over the cellphone logo. 

Should he just call? 

What was the downside? 

This was his reality. A hopeless person who yearned for a direction, even if he knew it was a toxic one.

 

10 years later . . .
 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

 

.2021

There's a pretty women lying on the sofa, in considerably ugly pajamas considering the beauty of her face.

It's quite clear from that one picture that she's a homebody. She lives in a modest yet nice apartment, with at least two bedrooms and a nice modern kitchen. 

She clearly lives alone, which adds more meaning behind the small abode. 

cc: She's calling someone.

Hosts: Who is she calling?

??: Hello? 

A mysterious voice answers the girl on the sofa. 

JY: Jieun-ah. 

Immediately the cover shows the beautiful picture of the celebrity IU, who is identified as being a 12 year friend of Jiyeon. 

Hosts: Oh!

JY: I'm bored, come play with me

IU: I'm busy

Host: IU's voice is so nice

JY: What are you doing?

IU: My schedule is full

Jiyeon immediately starts to giggle at the strange answer from her close friend. Even IU seems to chuckle at the ridiculousness of her answer.

IU: Even if you ask me to play, I can't play.

JY: Come play with me

The cute pleading voice of the former T-ara idol is very much like a child. 

JY: Let's play... I'm so bored

IU: I'll see you after I'm done with work

The scene skips, as the audience watches Jiyeon go about her day, eventually ending up at the famous Bae Yoonjung's dance studio. 

While she stretches and prepares to dance, IU is scene exiting from her van as a surprise. 

IU hides behind the doorway, quietly watching Jiyeon warm up. 

Jiyeon finally turns around and spots her.

JY: OH WHAT!

IU: Hello 

Jiyeon crumples over half in shock, half in laughter

cc: A sneaky guest IU

Host: wow, you can see how close your friendship is just from that

IU explains to the camera about their friendship from Heroes, and how they are same age friends, both being born in 1993. 

IU (monologue): Her dance is so cool, I think its the coolest in Korea. 

IU: It's actually been a while since I've seen you dance in person

Jiyeon giggles before heading to the desktop set-up to play some music. 

IU watches and records Jiyeon's cover of EXO's Love Shot, as the hosts deliver tremendous praise to the idol for her dancing. 

JY: Let's go home, let's go eat I'm hungry

cc: They're going home now

The scene transitions to the two of them in the car, Jiyeon driving the black minivan as IU sits in the passenger seat with her phone out. 

IU: Have you heard Leehi's new song? 

JY: Holo right? 

IU: It's so good, the lyrics made me cry recently.

JY: That reminds me of another good song I was listening to recently. 

Jiyeon presses the screen of the car, and the speakers began to blare a song, that's surprisingly melo. A few guitar strums that leads into a beautiful male voice, singing in english. 

cc: Jiyeon's song recommendation is an American song

Host: Jiyeon-ssi must listen to songs in many different languages

IU: Wow, I already feel emotional 

JY: I like this song a lot

IU: Oh Zucker, I think i've heard songs from him before. 

 

 

Even while filming a TV show there was something strangely peaceful about this song. She's not sure when she first heard it, but the moment she did... it still felt strangely familiar. 

She tries to keep her eyes on the road, but the soothing voice calls for moments of closed eye introspection. 

Maybe we're better off alone
Maybe we're better off alone
Maybe we're better off
Maybe we're better off alone
Maybe we're better off

"Yeon-ah."

Jiyeon almost freaks out as she hears the strange male voice that isn't the male singer nor Jieun. 

However, seeing the green light of the go-pro camera in front of them, she quickly composes herself. 

"Yeon-ah, I can't do this... can you?" 

What the hell is this?

She glances to a completely oblivious Jieun who continues scrolling through her phone. Is she not hearing this?

Not wanting to look insane while filming a TV appearance, she quickly buries it in the back of her mind. 

They're almost at her apartment anyways. 

She figures that they would either cut here, as to keep the privacy of her living location. "Is Teokbokki ok Jieun-ah?"

Jieun nods before getting out of the car, as they watch from outside the camera crew getting ready. 

Jiyeon slides her hand on the drivers seat handle, and opens it. She blinks momentarily as she steps down off the car. 

"I can't do this. I can't live like this."

What the hell is that voice?

And why does she feel so warm? 

Her foot reaches the sandy ground and... why is there sand?

She finds herself on what appears to be some tropical island, as the world that she had just been in fades around her. 

WHAT THE... 

How is she? What happened to her apartment, the van? How did she get here... and where the hell is she?

"Jiyeon-ah." A loud voice calls from behind her. It feels so familiar... but she's never heard it before. So why does it address her so comfortably?

Slowly Jiyeon turns around, but before she can react a large throws its arms around her, sealing her into a tight embrace.

"Yeon-ah. I know what you're trying to do... but I can't live like this." It's definitely a man, a young man, and obviously well built considering the strength of his hold. 

But what is he talking about? How does he know her? Did he 'summon' her here?

"Please. Let's go home." 

Go home... 

Jiyeon slowly brings herself to look at his face.

He's incredibly handsome, a chissled face, with gentle eyes.

He's really tall, like almost 190 cm (6'3). 

He's clearly well built, with broad shoulders and large hands.

"Daniel." She whispers.

He's Daniel Choi.

She doesn't know how she knows his name. 

She just knows that looking into his eyes, everything is going to be ok. 

He calls to her, not aloud, but with a powerful gaze. 

"Come on, let's go home." 

Jiyeon doesn't answer, instead electing to bury her face into his shoulders, as she starts to feel a flood of memories refill her mind. 

Her mind speeds through an entire universe, as she realizes that somehow she had made a decision to forget him... 

But why? Why did she push him away? 

Because he would die.

Suddenly, she pushes him away, forcing him backwards, as she glares at him in horror.

She remembers now.

No, they were never supposed to meet again, he would die if they met again. She had done this to keep him alive. 

"Jiyeon, it's ok. It's ok." He whispers as he tries to return to her. 

She shakes her head furiously as she retreats backwards. 

"Get away, you'll die."

"I'd rather that, then never have met you." He reasons with her.

"Run. Run away!" She screams. "I need to go back. I can't be with you. I can't know you!" 

"Jiyeon, in that world I pass anyways." 

She stops as she hears his words. 

"What?" She questions, her eyes now gazing straight into his eyes. 

"Jiyeon, you wonder why I pulled you back here... because I don't survive if I never meet you. Jiyeon you're my life saver." 

He's lying... he must be lying. There's no way. Is there?

"You gave me direction... and I didn't even know it. But you saved me too." He reveals to her stupor.

Slowly, she lowers her guard as she no longer spaces herself between him. 

"So let's go back, and finish what we started. It'll be ok." 

Jiyeon slowly nods her head as she accepts his 2nd attempt at a hug.

In a swift motion, she can feel his warmth again, as she wonders whether what she had seen was a dream or an actual experience. 

Had she actually lived through another 10 years or had it all gone by as a blur? 

She slowly started to forget how they got to this island, and what had just happened. 

All she knows is here. Daniel holds her tight, his arms squeezing the life out of her as he clings his finger around clumps of her hair with desperation.

"Jiyeon-ah, I know that you did that to save me, but even if I never met you, there's no outcome where I live." He explains. "I saw it all." 

"Then what can I do?" She demands as she buries her face deeper into his shoulder. 

Everything... everything she tried. Nothing saved him. 

"Just let me go."

"I can't." Jiyeon whines. 

 

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,

 

6ABC Action News: NBA star Daniel Choi suffers in middle of night leading to immediate hospitalization. 

 

ESPN Report: 76er's Daniel Choi suffers in home leading to hospitalization

 

Soompi: Sudden leads to hospitalization of Basketball Idol Daniel Choi

If you woke up to see your twitter exploding with tweets about Daniel Choi, as well as the top ranking keyword in all search engines. Korean American Daniel Choi was recently taken to the hospital in the middle of the night after suffering a mysterious . Girlfriend and Fiance Park Jiyeon was with him as he was escorted to the hospital. There has yet to be any internal updates on his status. But several Idols, Actors, and Celebrities have all began posting in support of him with the #getwellsoondaniel or #다니엘낫길 바랄게요.

All of us at Soompi offer our condolences and hope that he will recover soon.

////////

Top Comments: 

"I've been crying for hours, I swear... I hope our Daniel Oppa is ok." 

"I've been reading so many articles and there's still no answer to how it happened. I hope that he's ok, and they aren't covering a bigger issue."

" can happen to anyone, and can be sudden. It could be genetic or anything, let's not spread false rumors."

"Prayers up for you Daniel! Get well soon from the phillipines!" 

 

New York Times: Korea ralleys around its National Hero after suffering sudden

 

Washington Post: Doctors confirm that NBA star Daniel Choi received successful surgery but is still in critical condition as of 24 hours later

 

CNN News: Doctors are pessimestic about chances for Daniel Choi as he remains in his comatose state for 7 days

 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

 

Slowly, Daniel opened his eyes. There was a commotion going on around him.

The sound of hurried footsteps and several voices saying indecipherable things. 

He noticed that he was staring at the ceiling, and that there was something soft underneath him. Finally garnering the energy to lift himself off the sofa beneath him, he glanced around. 

Mirrors, lights, makeup.

He was at a music show venue. Music bank? The Show? Inkigayo? 

Daniel noticed that the room was completely empty, devoid of any of the usual managers, makeup artists, and idols. Where was he? Was this what death was?

His footsteps were oddly heavy as he slowly approached a mirror. He wasn’t dressed in the clothes he was wearing before. Instead he wore a mostly black outfit, with black jeans and a matching black sweater. It wasn’t fashionable at all, and he looked like some type of production crew worker. 

That was odd. This was a strange sort of purgatory, was he facing the troubles of those who worked beside him? 

Out of curiosity, he wandered out the room and towards the hustle of the noise. 

“Hey you!” 

Daniel froze as he slowly turned around, there was another similarly dressed female. 

“What are you doing? We need your help over here.” She demanded with an upset expression.

“Me?” Daniel doubled checked pointing towards himself. 

“Yes you, pabo-ya, is there another lighting crew?”

Daniel noticed too late, that on the back of his sweater were the words ‘lighting crew’, still unsure what was going on he nodded. He had watched enough parallel universe movies, to know that asking stupid questions never helped. 

He was sensible, he just needed to figure out where he was, kill his nemesis, or kiss the frog and maybe... just maybe he could go home.

Which brought up another question, what was happening to his real self? He was dead wasn't he? 

The voice told him that he was going to die in a . He figured that, by now, Jiyeon would be weeping an ocean of tears as she prepared to live a life without him.

“Sorry, I’m new here.” Daniel scratched his nape as he flashed a charming smile.

“I know, I don’t remember anyone on our crew looking like an actor.” 

The middle aged woman huffed as she beckoned for him to follow her. With no other options he trailed right before, checking the signs on the doors to see if he recognized any artists. Oddly enough, all of them were blank, he could tell by the hallway now he was at the KBS Music Bank, a program he had guest hosted before. 

Was this just an alternate reality that he was a part of?

“What day is it?”

“Huh?” The woman turned around confused.

“I mean, it's not friday is it? I lost track…” 

“This is why we shouldn’t hire on appearances. It’s Tuesday stupid.” 

If it was Tuesday that meant, it wasn’t a music bank filming day, which begged the question. Why did death bring him here? 

Based purely on dramas, shouldn't he meet with a handsome black grim reaper who looked vaguely like Lee Dongwook? 

Or not... I mean technically the people around them were dressed in all black. 

He patted his pockets, but he didn’t have a phone.

They finally exited into the main stage area where he could see a ginormous camera crew all set up. There were extras all lined up around to act as a crowd.

That’s when it hit him, this wasn’t filming for a music show. This was the film set up for a drama… 

“Lighting!” A frustrated voice shouted.

“Come on, help out here.” The women demanded as he noticed a large studio light standing far away from the stage.

“Right, right.” Daniel nodded grabbing the large light and carrying it towards the stage. He hadn't lost any strength since dying, but he didn't seem to have any superpowers either.

“Hey you! You’re new on the crew aren’t you?” A fellow black clad figure questioned.

Was this the grim reaper?

He didn't exactly look the part...

“Ah yes.” Daniel responded, still processing what was going on. “I’m filling in.” 

As usual, the young man nodded and continued his work. “Come on, we’re part of the crowd now.”

He was dragged down from the stage and into the crowd spot where several other production crew stood all holding up light sticks.

He glanced at the light stick that was into his hand. It was unfamiliar, not that he knew every Kpop group… but still. He had never heard of this group, Shax.

“Alright, lets get the dancers ready. Episode 1, scene 4, and action!” 

Daniel spotted out of the corner of his eyes several dancers waiting on either sides of the familiar Music Bank stage. 

Suddenly, the lights dimmed and a simulated performance began. But what caught Daniel off guard wasn’t the well organized dancing, but the appearance of his wife in front of him.

Jiyeon! It took all of his self control to stop himself from shouting her name. 

He knew that doing so, would only cause a commotion. 

This wasn’t her upcoming comeback… was it?

No, this was a drama. He knew that, but she hadn’t signed onto any dramas…

What the hell was this? Was this the future?

Welcome to reality.

She was beautiful, that certainly wasn’t a surprise. Even if he didn’t know the song, he cheered along with the other fake crowd, as he listened to the song. 

She wore an alluring red outfit, with one shoulder exposed. Brown/auburn hair with red highlights, the song actually had a similar vibe to Never Ever. Mature, yet powerful. 

It was what had always attracted Daniel to her. Her ability to be the most adorable person in the world, but flaunt such a powerful presence. 

“What drama did you say this was again?” Daniel inquired to the crew beside him, barely audible over the loud crowd noise that was blasted through speakers beside him.

“What?” 

“What drama is this?”

“Are you stupid? How can you come here without knowing the name? It’s Imitation.”

Imitation, Daniel didn’t remember Jiyeon ever accepting that. Was this the future? Perhaps he should be happy in that case. 

“Sorry, this is my third drama shoot in 4 days I just go where I’m told.” He reflected the accusation. 

The song didn’t last long, clearly just used as a transition scene, as he spotted a handsome man climbed onto the stage to receive some type of award. 

Jiyeon was still up there, beautiful as always, holding the award to give. To be honest, Daniel had never seen her act live before. The way a single manager stood beside her as she read the script. 

It seemed unusual, while the other had several makeup crew and others around him. 

Daniel almost wished he could climb onto stage and join her. But something wasn’t right about the whole situation, it didn’t take much for him to know that. 

As the shoot drew to a close, and Daniel was actually getting the hang of fixing the light stage, he finally decided to approach her. It was now or never, he saw her follow an unknown male manager towards the changing room. 

“I’ll be right back.” He whispered to his fellow team member. 

“Hey! Where are you going?”

Daniel sped off, as he navigated through different camera crew and writers all bustling around to prepare for the next shoot. 

Something felt strange though, everyone around him wore masks for some reason. It was like everyone was hiding their identity as a celebrity. He was even scolded by a random employee and handed one out of the blue. 

What was going on? He just heard the others whispering something about a delta variant... whatever that was. 

Was this reality entrenched in some kind of large pandemic? 

He followed her to the main changing room, and almost wandered inside. Except that there was clearly a security guard located on the outside. A precautionary measure, that he didn’t realize would ever hinder him until now. 

Figuring out a solution to his problem, he saw a writer walking down the hallway holding a script, and instantly approached her. 

“Excuse me, the director called for you, they want to figure out somethings with the script, do you think I could show it to him?” Daniel inquired as he stood in front of the shorter woman.

Lowering his mask, with the flash of his smile, he could see the will of the female in front of him melt, as he gently reached for the script.

“Um… should’t they already… I mean… I don’t see why not.” The writer handed him the script, and Daniel peeked down towards the name tag.

“Writer Kim Nayoung. What a pretty name for a pretty face.” He whispered winking towards her as he left. 

Jesus, had he just seduced someone to try and get to his girlfriend? Well, desperate times called for desperate measures. 

He instantly adjusted his voice as he approached the guard, “Hi, I just need to run a few things by Jiyeon-ssi about the upcoming scenes.”

Spotting the script in Daniel’s hands, the guard nodded and allowed him through. 

Somehow, Daniel had always wanted to live out his inner desires of being the smooth talking conman, this might be his only opportunity. He was already dead anyways, what was the worse that could happen if he was arrested in this reality?

He instantly entered the room and was pleasantly surprised to see Jiyeon sitting alone on the chair staring at her phone. 

Why was she alone? Where were her managers? Was this how YG treated their actors and actresses? If so, he was going to have a talk with some people once he figured out how to get back to reality.

He knew one thing though, people didn’t seem to recognize him in this world, though the mask might have something to do with it.

“Excuse me? Can I help you?” It was Jiyeon’s voice as he spotted her eyes lingering towards him in the reflection of the makeup vanity.

Daniel lowered his mask. At least she would recognize him. Maybe he could finally get some answers. Did she also know he was dead?

“Jiyeon-ah.” 

Her jaw dropped as she turned the chair around and glared at him. 

There was a moment of silence as they both locked gazes, Daniel completely frozen as he noticed for the first time… something wasn’t right. It wasn’t surprise on her face, it was fear. 

“Who are you?”

"...Me?" Daniel stumbled as he pointed towards himself. 

There's something painful about hearing those words from the person you love. 

He wasn't expecting it to be honest, even if all signs probably should've pointed to it. Had they never even met before in this reality? 

"Yes, who are you?" Jiyeon look slightly frightened as he could see her reaching towards her phone on the table. 

"I'm a scriptwriter." Daniel quickly lied. Rather smoothly too.

He had just lied to her. 

"Then why does it say lighting crew?" She questioned observantly. 

He began to panic as he wondered what he could say. 

"I'm a fan!" He suddenly sputtered out.

"A fan?" She tilted her head, still eyeing him cautiously. 

"Yes, of T-ara. I was wondering if I could get your autograph." He decided that this seemed at the very least a safe choice. 

Slowly, he noticed an apparent grin creep onto her lips. "Really? You're a fan?" 

It was like she had never been told that before? 

"It's been a while since I've met someone. You're quite daring too." She pointed out as she stood up from her chair and approached him.

Daniel felt a chill run down his spine as he watched her approach him. Just her presence felt so familiar yet unfamiliar.

"By the way, have we met before?" Jiyeon inquired as she scanned his face. 

Vegas? Maybe not. Daniel remained silent as he allowed her to come to her own conclusion.

"I guess not. You're very handsome by the way, are you really just a lighting crew?" 

He scratched his head awkwardly as he nodded. Would she believe him if he told her he was her husband in another life? 

"I'm Daniel Choi." He figured introducing himself wouldn't be too disastrous. 

"Nice to meet you Daniel Choi." She reached out her hand for a handshake. 

Daniel felt awkward taking it. If he did, he might not let go.

"Oh don't worry I'm vaccinated." What did that mean?

"Right. Me too." He lied slowly shaking her hand.

Her fingers were soft. Just like he had imagined. But they were different than he was used to. 

There wasn't the comfort and affection he felt whenever he held his wife's hand. 

This was an entirely different person.

"Thank you again for the autograph." Daniel decided it was time for him to leave. 

"It was nice to meet a fan. I hope we meet again." Jiyeon expressed. 

He smiled as he walked towards the exit. The script still in his hands, as he clenched the pages tightly. 

"Go home Daniel." It was her voice. But it was so different. This was warm and familiar. It sounded so much like his Jiyeon.

He whipped around shocked by her sudden remark and even more by the change in tone.

"Jiyeon?"

"Go home and be with her." 

Standing upright, Jiyeon was smiling as she waived towards him. 

What did she mean?

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Then what happened next appa?" 

Daniel poked up from his laptop to see Dayeon's eyes glowing towards him.

Tucked into her bed, her tiny face peeking out from underneath the heavy blanket, she looked adorable in so many ways. 

"Well Dayeon, what do you think happened next?" He inquired, as he returned to finishing the final touches on his email to the WM entertainment PR team.

"I think Omma woke Appa up by kissing him. Just like the Prince did in Sleeping Beauty." The way the 5 year old girl blushed at just the word 'kiss', melted Daniel's soft heart. 

"I'm pretty sure I said the characters in the story were named Hayeon and Jimin." Daniel countered as he grinned at her remarkable intelligence. 

"Appa, it's pretty clear that it's about Omma and Appa. You just renamed the characters, and made Jimin a pro-soccer player instead of a basketball player." 

He couldn't help but chuckle as he slowly nodded his head. 

"So is that really what happened? Did appa wake up because of omma's kiss?" Dayeon interrogated viciously. "Please tell me. Please tell me."

Daniel paused as his eyes gravitated towards the clock on her night stand. "I guess we'll have to finish the story tomorrow night, it's already 8:00 and you Miss Choi-ssi have Kindergarden tomorrow."

At the word Kindergarden, Dayeon's lips formed a furious frown.

"Appa!" She whined as she threw her legs up lifting the blanket with her. 

"What did Omma tell you about not getting enough sleep?" Daniel spoke in a more firm voice now.

He didn't like to be strict with her, but Jiyeon always complained that he let his daughter walk all over him.

"I get grumpy when I don't get enough sleep." She reiterated the words Jiyeon drilled into her. 

"Alright appa, you promise you'll finish the story tomorrow?" Dayeon begged, conceding to her mother's will. 

"Yes, so let's get some sleep then." He requested as he reached over and pat her on the head. 

"Good night appa." Dayeon whispered as she finally set her tiny head into the pillow.

"Good night our Dayeon-ie." He gently planted a final kiss on her left cheek.

"Sweet dreams." He placed a second peck on her right cheek. 

He waited at least 5 minutes, before finally arising from her desk chair and heading to the door. 

Right there, Jiyeon stood in the hallway, clearly listening in on their conversation. 

"Annyeong my sleeping beauty." She as she laced her arms around his nape. 

Holding her between his arms, he leaned down and planted his lips on the top of her head. 

He was seriously the luckiest man in the world, he had no doubt about that. 

"So are you going to really tell her tomorrow night?" Jiyeon wondered as she buried her face into his chest. 

"I'm thinking about it." Daniel slowly exhaled as he began to gently his wife's back.

"Speaking of that, did you visit the cardiologist today?" She inquired as they both walked down towards the 1st floor of their massive house. 

Daniel nodded as he walked towards the coffee machine. "Coffee?"

They were in the kitchen now, Jiyeon sitting on a stool, while Daniel searched a cabinet for coffee.

"Decaf, and what did Doctor Yoon say?" 

He filled the machine with dark black grounds before answering. "He said that everything looks good. I was able to set a new record on the Stress test, 20 minutes." 

"Did you feel ok after?" Jiyeon worried immediately. 

"Yes. I felt fine." He assured her as he returned to the Kitchen island with two mugs of coffee.

"Ooo, smells good." She commented as she held the mug up to . 

The two about a meter apart, he couldn't help but grin as he watched her engulf the hot liquid far too quickly into . It never ceased to amaze him, how talented she was at consuming anything with great speed. 

"How was your day?" He asked as he took a slow sip of the brazilian coffee, savoring the bitter yet nutty taste. 

"Good, I dropped Dayeon off at Kindergarden and then met up with some of the other moms for coffee."

"Thanks for taking care of her today, I know you had to pass up a meeting for a possible endorsement." Daniel expressed his gratitude.

"It's ok, they said they could reschedule to another week. Your hospital check-ups are our priority. Just stay healthy, and stay with me and Dayeon for a long time, I'll take care of everything else."

Daniel couldn't help but smile at the genuineness of her words. She was his rock, their family's breadwinner, as well as the love of his life. 

Jiyeon made her way over to him, and slowly collapsed against him. 

Daniel immediately wrapped his arms around her, feeling her fatigue between his fingertips. 

"Good job today." He whispered gently rubbing circles into her tense back. 

"I love you." 

He knew that most couples never experienced the kind of pain and hardships that they had fought through. Just to live and breathe the same air. 

But, it made their bond even stronger. They still fought, they still argued over meaningless things, but both would easily sacrifice their prides just to ensure the other didn't stay upset. Dayeon was the confirmation of this, both would give up everything in a heartbeat to make sure their daughter was safe and happy. 

It didn't make sense anymore... how he had at one point coveted the simple life. He had mapped out his life into metrics, wanting nothing to do with stardom or popularity. 

Nothing about their lives were simple. 

When he really thought about it, it was mostly Jiyeon's fault. Her appearance in his life had caused him to change.

What a Bazaar Love.

 

 

//////

This marks the conclusion of Love & Basketball as well as A Bazaar Love. Thank you all for reading, and I know this final chapter took a lot of twists and turns. This is also the loooongest chapter i've ever written and edited, 12000 words. I'm sorry for making you all scroll, and I hope it wasn't too confusing. I thought about releasing this in two bits, but I wanted to keep it to 15 chapters. Also I had Michael Caine's voice repeating the poem in my mind as I wrote this, hopefully you don't get too addicted. 

 

Brief shoutouts! 

@vincent123 Thanks for the comment, to be honest, after the summer I pondered taking the time to finish editing and actually releasing this. But seeing your comment encouraged me to finish

@alid1432d5h I hope this delivers as much as you hope.