Year 2040.

AIs, robots and all sorts of technology have been invented already. It was the new normal for everybody. The different innovations that people from the past have only imagined to be true are all existing and functional now; they’ve formed part of everyone’s everyday lives.

“Ssamu…I heard you have an important client today.” A blonde woman said, her focus was on cutting the ham that she would cook for their breakfast.

“Yeah. Kind of.” Chaewon replied as she grabs a cup of coffee on the table, one that had always been prepared by the blonde every morning for her.

“What do you mean kind of? It’s her, right?” The toaster tinged, signaling that it had already accomplished its job. The blonde then placed the bread on the plate, before sparing Chaewon a confused look.

“Yes… it is her, but at the same time, it is also not.” Chaewon said, sighing.

“I wouldn’t ask further because I know I’ll never understand that job of yours.” Yuri, her best friend chuckled to ease the tension that was clouding the air.

“How ‘bout you? I heard the government, specifically your team’s quite a mess right now.” Chaewon told the other as she sits in front of her vanity table which automatically spots one’s blemishes, guiding the older in applying her make up in order to perfect her appearance.

“You heard that from the duck, didn’t you? Well, sooner or later it’ll be all over the news—the issue on cloning, I mean. Clones with a mind of their own? That was some pretty ed up problem that we’ve been handling for over a year now.” Using her free hand to massage her temples, Yuri answered, clearly stressed out from the recent happenings on her workplace.

“And for the record, I’ve been telling my team leader that it was such a reckless move and we still needed to patch things up on our end, but she never listens. She thinks I’m trying to get her position from her whenever I’m suggesting things for the project. Such a pain in the if you’ll ask me.” Yuri, with her strong Busan accent said as she flipped the ham on the frying pan.   

“Wait, I’m actually talking about your ‘time machine project’. Turns out… it was the clones again, huh? Well then, good luck to the both of us, I guess?” After looking at herself on the full-body mirror for a final check on her guise, Chaewon replied, locking eyes with Yuri’s reflection.

“No, I’ll give you my luck too. For today I mean. I think you needed it more than me.” The hamster-like girl said as she tosses the ham on the plate, and then proceeds to look at Chaewon, giving her a warm smile. 

Chaewon just beamed back at her, pick her toast up and proceeded outside towards her mint-colored car—a flying one to be exact.

……….

“You’ve been choosing clients with ‘Hi’ and “Mi” on their names as your prospects ever since you started working in this department, Ms. Kim. And that was like, a year ago already. Do you have some sort of an emotional attachment to a certain Hii? Or a certain Mi? Could they be a friend? A relative? Your past lover?” Her team leader, Yena, which happens to be her best friend’s girlfriend, asked her curiously.

If you’re curious as to what was the formality for, well you better ask those sh*ts about workplace protocols.

Chaewon flushed a tint of red at the mention of the last two words.

“You can’t hide that blush from me, Ssam—I mean,” Yena coughed, “Miss Kim.” Yena added but she never missed to give the other a smirk, teasing her.

“It’s both a yes and no. She’s not exactly a lover, but yeah. Someone special. Someone I hold dear.” Chaewon’s voice had gotten sadder as she said the last sentence.

Seeing that Chaewon doesn’t wanna push the conversation further, Yena kept mum and proceeded on explaining to the short-haired girl the information regarding her mission for the next days.

 --------------

Chaewon wore a white, flowy dress with puffed sleeves and hem that goes a foot beneath her knee, partnered with a pair of white doll shoes. One that would make her seem motherly-like.

For today, she needs to look innocent and loveable.

One with irresistible charms that attracts the kids.

She took a mental note of the person she’s meeting today.

Hidemi.

She was a braided girl that loves eating bread. And was it already mentioned that she has some kind of an addiction with cheese? Chaewon came prepared though, she brought her for a tour in the largest bakeshop in town that specializes with cheese as their signature flavor.

Let’s just say that it is a part of her bigger plan to lure the girl who has been obsessing with the food mentioned above.

Totally a perfect bait.

Well, she wasn’t wrong. For the record, she was never wrong when it comes to anything that concerns her job. Her every move was calculated but she’s also quick-witted when it comes to finding her way out of the adversities. That’s how good she was.  

“Oh my gosh! O my gosh! Are those croissants? And… and… bagels? And muffins? Oh, and cheese! Never ending cheese” Hidemi excitedly exclaimed.

“Yes sweetie. And you could eat anything you want. We’ll get you anything you want today, okay?” Chaewon said as she patted the girl’s head giving her a soft smile.   

“Anything, you say?” Hidemi asked enthusiastically, hands clasp together, awe evident in her eyes.

“Yes sweetie, anything. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll make sure you’ll have it.” Chaewon replied as she reached for the hands of the girl; gently rubbing the younger’s knuckles with her thumb finger.  

“Yay!” Hidemi raised her free arm in the air, clearly delighted by what she had heard.

Aside from touring the kid and eating all kinds of bread that she likes until she’s too full to move, Chaewon told her fairytale stories while they were resting. They also learned lessons on decorating a cake. It was very chaotic—different colors of icings where scattered everywhere; whipped cream on their faces and sprinkles on their hairs but it was all worth it because Chaewon could see how much the younger enjoyed their activities for the day. Chaewon had pretty much agreed to whatever the younger wishes to do with no questions asked.  

She was like a legit Mom to her. Attending to her needs, wiping the mess on her face; patting her head and saying she did well placing the strawberries on top of the cake even if they were clearly disarrayed…

“Chaewon…can I call you Mom?” Hidemi asked.

“Sure, sweetie. I would love to be your Mom.”

“I wished my Mom was someone like you, Chae—I mean Mommy Chaewon.

I didn’t even have a good memory of her. Not even a single one. All I could remember was all the physical torture I had gone through just because I couldn’t do as they say. The whip hitting my arms and my back…the blood coming out of it… them letting me starve alone on a locked room…those episodes have long been gone but it was as if…they only happened yesterday…” Hidemi said, tears roll down her plump cheeks.

“Shhh… don’t cry sweetie. It’s fine…Everything’s going to be fine now that you have Mommy Chaewon, okay? I’m gonna protect you with my life.” Chaewon hugged the girl, placing a gentle kiss on her head.

“Really?” Hidemi removed herself from the hug to look at Chaewon’s eyes. Upon receiving an affirmative nod coupled with an angelic smile, she then hugged the older once again, settling on the warmth her presence gives her.

“Thank you, Mom.” Hidemi added, wiping her tears and smiling like a cherub. It was such an innocent smile; so pure and so spotless.

“Did you enjoy your day, sweetie?” Chaewon asked, giving the little girl and toothy eye smile.  

“Yes Mom! I did! Let’s do this again!” Hidemi said while jumping eagerly.

“Well…if you have enjoyed this day…

…then I guess we’ll have to end this here now, huh?” Chaewon grinned even wider at the girl.

She was fishing something out of the white clutch bag that she brought with her.

It was… a syringe.

Chaewon’s aura made a 180-degree turn—from a loving and thoughtful mother-like figure, it had become that of a predator hungry for its prey, bloodlust apparent in her eyes.

And before Hidemi could react about the sudden change of Chaewon’s aura, the short-haired girl had already injected the syringe to the younger.

Chaewon watched with stoned face as the girl lose her balance, her right hand clutching the left side of her chest and eventually falling down with her back against the cold floor. Hidemi tried with all the ounce of strength she has left to utter a word, but no sound came out.   

“One down, chief. I wanna accomplish this mission as fast as I can.” Chaewon said as she turned her back, walking away from the scene while she talked to Yena using the wireless in-ear monitor that she picked out of her bag.

“As expected of you, Ssamu. You’re really great at this.” The person on the other line said, with a hint of relief in her voice.

“Well, I have to… Scratch that. I need too…” Chaewon said, walking away from the scene not turning her head back while Hidemi with a blurry vision, tried to extend her arms to reach out to the older before she completely stopped breathing.

………..

“Tomi-ya! If sister Eunbi sees you, she’ll definitely scold you! You’re sneaking out again to eat bread!” Little Chaewon said when she caught little Tomi hiding behind the bushes of a well-maintained garden.

“Shhh… Don’t be too loud, Ssamu or else they’ll found out about our secret place. Just this last one and then I’ll really stop, okay?” Little Tomi said as she munches the bread her tiny hand is holding; small crumbs were left on the corners of .

“But you also told me yesterday that it would be the last but then you’re here today, sneaking out again to eat bagels!” Little Ssamu replied, now with a hushed tone so that they wouldn’t get caught, fixing the mess on the younger’s mouth.

………..

Chaewon brushed off those memories from her mind. She has no time to dwell on them anymore.

“Let the past stay on the past,” is what her best friend Jjoyul is always telling her.     

Right.

If you’re curious as to what exactly Chaewon’s job is…

Let’s just say she approaches people.

She dates them…

Friendly dates, romantic dates, casual getting to know.

Hang out with them.

Talk to them, make them feel good.

Then kill them.

During their most vulnerable state.

Strange job, right?

But that pretty much summarizes whatever she does when working.

--------------

‘Twas a new day in Seoul. For our resident radish fairy, this only means another mission she has got to accomplish.

The next prospect: Hinami

The girl loves painting and she figured she’d find her on the only art gallery that could be found in the town.

For today, she wore a very casual outfit: a mustard beret on her head and a striped, brown jumper-dress with creamy-white turtleneck inside partnered with a brown, low-cut boots.

One of the skills that they had to possess before becoming a part of the team, if it isn’t that obvious yet, is that they have to be excellent in acting.

And this, dressing up—dolling herself up was Chaewon’s favorite part of the preparation for every mission.

Clothes for Chaewon are some sort of a shield; a defense even.

She uses them to hide her vulnerable self. It was because, even if she’s been killing people for the past year so some might think that she must’ve gotten used to it already, the truth is…no… she’ll never get used to it.

She just wanted to erase them all in her memory. The drug that she’s been taking helps her calm down every night, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted to fool herself so bad.

So, so bad that she wasn’t affected by all of this.

But she couldn’t. She tried so hard but she just…simply couldn’t. Especially when she hears their stories.

Every scene haunts her every night whenever she sleeps. The loud, painful shrieks… their labored breathing… them screaming for help over and over again… she couldn’t help but dream of them. She couldn’t help but be eaten by guilt.

But she has to do this.  

She needs to do this.

And oh, she’s a great actress.

So of course no one would’ve known for sure.

The pain that’s been devouring her slowly… consuming her whole being…driving her insane…she’s gonna keep them to herself for as long as she could.

………..

“The colors that were used must’ve intricately been thought of in that painting, that’s for sure.” Hinami murmured to herself, scanning the details of the painting in front of her.

“I beg to disagree.” Chaewon approached her position, looking straight at the painting that was hanging on the wall.

Hinami was surprised by the sudden presence of somebody she doesn’t know but she remained silent, for she wanted to hear a thought that was different from hers.

“And that is because…?”

“Because art should be free. One shouldn’t put a lot of thought into it and just let their hands be liberated on every , on every color or texture and so on. Art isn’t some kind of a science or math or history exam where extensive use of rationalization or braincells is warranted.” Chaewon looked at her, chuckling at herself for her remark.

Hinami didn’t even realize she was staring at Chaewon not until the other had stared back.

And oh God, she finds the short-haired girl indeed breathtaking; even more beautiful than all the pieces of art in that gallery combined. Hinami could see an explosion of colors surrounding the bereted girl the moment she laid her eyes on her. 

Hinami noticed that she’s been idling at the other when the girl snapped her fingers in front of her face. Hinami coughed as her own way of shrugging off the slight humiliation that she felt before trying to initiate a small talk.

“Are you an art student too? I’m Hinami, by the way.” Hinami said, eyeing the paper bag that Chaewon was holding, containing what seems like newly bought art materials.

“Yup. Chaewon here. And I guess you are, too?” Chaewon answered as she used her lips to point at Hinami’s sketch pad that the younger was tightly holding in front of her chest.

“I was…before…” The younger said with a small sigh, her sad eyes pinned on the floor. 

“Well, I’ve got all the time in the world to listen to you and I would love to hear about that. Care to join me for coffee? I have seen this newly opened art café downtown. Figured I needed someone with me. So, are you in? Mind you, I don’t take no for an answer.” Flashing her charming smile, Chaewon told the younger as she offers the other her right hand.

Hinami place hers on top of it. She was in awe of the fact that the older’s hands was so soft and so…warm. “Yeah sure. I think I also needed a change of scenery for a while. I’ve been frequenting this art gallery for months now and I haven’t gotten any inspiration from here.” 

“Then, shall we?” Chaewon gently squeezed the hands of the younger as she softly pulls her towards their destination.

-----------

The two arrived at the place. They both ordered strawberry milkshake (with extra whipped cream, they even giggled upon knowing that they both enjoy their favorite drink that way); Chaewon also ordered a slice of strawberry shortcake for them to share.

The two had casual talks about themselves, their hobbies, how they come to be associated in the field of art and some other light topics. Not until Chaewon darted her eyes on Hinami’s sketchpad which was resting on the table as she was circling the straw on the glass of her drink.

“Would you…let me…?” Chaewon carefully asked.

Hinami just slightly nodded, worry was reflected on her eyes.

“Wow, this is really good! Like, really! You have golden hands for art, I see. You’re a gifted one.” Chaewon says, gleefully complimenting the girl.

“But…” Chaewon added.

“I’m aware…you could continue…” Sighing for the nth time that day, Hinami said avoiding to look at the older’s eyes.

“But it’s kinda…emotionless. It all looks too technical…too…I know it would be weird to say this, but it seems… blank.  

It looks blank despite literally being painted with hues. It looks… devoid of life despite of all the genius color combinations and shadings.” Chaewon lowered her voice down, she was too careful not to be too harsh.

“My art professor also told me that.” Hinami said while looking outside the window as she sips on her drink.  

“Well, we could disagree at things but for me, emotions an artist feels during art production should be felt by the audiences who are supposed to look at it. That’s how art would successfully invoke a sense of passion from the audience and therefore it becomes more relatable, I believe.” Chaewon explained as she continuously scans through the younger’s sketch pad.

“Would you believe me if I say I wanna draw like that too? But how can I do it? My parents have always wanted me to be perfect on everything. Dad was a painter in the past, but he never did succeed in any competition he joined so he just kinda…pushes me to become what he dreamt of… Like I was some perfect copy of himself. I couldn’t even look at the mirror sometimes because I’m afraid that if I did…I’ll see an image of another person that’s not me. I sometimes…don’t even recognize myself anymore. I tried so hard to live up to their expectations…

That I think I lost myself in the process…

I’m just a human…

A human that’s prone to making slip-ups… But they…

…t-they kinda…get p-physical with me whenever I’m c-committing mistakes. Maybe that’s why my mind always tend to r-rationalize things instead of feeling f-free-spirited. I…I’m afraid to fail but turns out I am becoming what I fear the most.” Hinami was shaking as she was sharing her story. Realizing that she might’ve hit a weak spot of the younger, Chaewon reached for Hinami’s hand in the table.

“That’s…understandable…It’s…not your fault that you had such a life…” Giving the younger a sympathetic smile, the older tried to console her.

“But how about…” Chaewon stood up almost abruptly that it had earned a surprised reaction from the younger. “How about I help you become free for a day? Come on, let’s go to places, try to have fun and sketch things.” Chaewon clasp her hands in excitement, her eyes sparkling with joy. 

Seeing how overjoyed the older looked, Hinami just found herself unconsciously nodding at the suggestion.

Maybe giving the older’s idea a chance might or could bring improvements on her.

That’s what she thought as she let herself be pulled to different places.

Hinami has already seen the town before. She was already familiar with the places they went to… She may have even memorized all the ins and outs of its every corner already…

Then how come… how come she feels refreshed strolling the place that she had found boring because of too much familiarity?

Aside from that…it was…it was oddly brighter that day… like the sun shines upon the town and it reflects colors more vividly…

It was also...a bit livelier—a total contrast to the dullness that she feels whenever she looks at the place.

And never…

Never once while drifting around these familiar places had she felt like this before.

Like she was alive…

Like she was…alive and breathing and walking and smiling and talking and just simply…alive.

She had never felt so alive before this very moment.

“Hinami…have you tried riding a bicycle before?” Chaewon asked the younger as they stopped by a bike rental shop in the park.

“I have. I even wanted to try riding unicycles.” Hinami joked as she acted like she was riding one; complete with the wiggling actions and all.

“Never knew you could joke?” Chaewon said, quite taken aback by how genuine the younger’s toothy laughter is right now, as compared to how timid she was earlier.

“Yeah, I never thought I could, too. Guess your plan’s working?” Hinami said as she handed the older the key to unlock the bike.

“But wait…the fun doesn’t stop here!” The older enthusiastically dragged Hinami again as they ride on a two-seater bike together…

They went to the fields…

They settled beneath the shade of a giant camphor tree. It was spring during that time, so the flowers, trees and other greens alike are in their full bloom.

It was such a sight to see…

They sat down with the grass as their cushion. Chaewon proceeded to lie down and close her eyes. And because Hinami’s been busy staring at the older, she did not fail to witness how a small smile escaped the older’s lips. It was just for a good second though.  

Chaewon, right from the time they had met, had always given her smiles. But there’s something about that small smile a while ago that made her heart throb really fast…

It was the same smile but then it…mysteriously hits different from all the other smiles that she had seen or rather received from her. It was ironically foreign yet familiar at the same time. 

Hinami decided to brush those weird thoughts away.

‘It must’ve been the fact that I’ve been seeing things differently the moment we stroll around.’ She thought.

They remained silent, with Hinami resting her back against the tree while sketching things. She felt a sudden surge of motivation while looking at the pinkish sky and imagining that smile that she had seen from the older earlier…they both watched in admiration as the sky had turned into the shade of midnight blue after the sunset, just in time for Hinami to finish her drawing.

“Chaewon-unnie, I think I can now get what you and my art professor have been telling me all this time.” Hinami said, holding the sketch pad in her arms.

“May I see…?” Hinami handed Chaewon the pad.

“Goodness this is so…serene. I think beautiful is not enough to describe this. This is a hundred…no… a million times more beautiful than your past artwork. Even if I don’t know you, I could tell just by the look of this drawing how happy the artist was while sketching.” Chaewon said, her eyes glittering with appreciation.

“And that’s all because of your help, Chaewon-unnie.” Hinami said with tears in her eyes. It was happy tears, of course.

“Have you enjoyed this day?” Chaewon said while handing the sketch pad back to the younger.

“Very much. And thank you for that.”

Chaewon nodded and smiled.

“Chaewon-unnie…I know why you’re here. And I’m ready to leave, don’t worry…” Hinami said, looking directly at the older’s eyes…

Chaewon was shocked by what the younger had uttered.

“Aside from being good at drawings, I’m also quite smart. The fact that I haven’t seen Hidemi all day… I immediately catch up on things, you know.” Hinami chuckled.

“Don’t be too sorry for me, though. Remember, you made me enjoy today so I don’t have any regrets leaving.” The younger further added.

For the second time that day, Chaewon, during her mission showed a defenseless image.

But it was something short-lived.

Because for Chaewon, showing her real emotion during her pursuits is a huge mistake.

And she couldn’t afford to fail.

No. Especially not on this one.

Reaching out for a syringe in her shoulder bag, Chaewon scooted closer to the younger. She covered Hinami’s eyes with her hands and injected the needle on her neck while trying to maintain a cold, stoic façade.  

She…left the younger there, eyes closed with a smile plastered on her face, arms tightly clutching the sketch pad on her chest. 

………….

“Hii-chaaan! Your drawings are amazing! You’re totally incredible when it comes to art! I couldn’t even draw stick figures properly.” Little Ssamu hugged Little Tomi, proud of her friend’s talent.  

It was autumn during that time when they were sitting under a tree which was their go-to place after their art lessons.  

“I know right. Sometimes, I really am getting tired being perfect, you know.” Flipping her hair, little Tomi said cheekily.

“I’ll remind myself not to compliment you again next time.” Little Chaewon said, rolling her eyes.

“I was just kidding? Or not…” Little Tomi giggled.

--------------

“Ready on your final task for this mission? I heard she’s quite the rebel one.” Yena asked Chaewon who was busy scrolling on her tablet, reviewing her next prospect: Hifumi.

“This is gonna be tough so I’ll be extra careful, but this is nothing I couldn’t handle.” Chaewon said, closing the gadget and handing it back to Yena.

“I trust you and your skills so I know you’ll be successful on this one. Just try to be on the lookout for possible counter attacks. You know how unpredictable they could be. Especially the aggressive ones. Jjoyul and I’s gonna be worried sick, you know that. If only I could send some reinforcements.” Yena said, patting Chaewon’s back, troubled about the younger’s quest.

“We both know only I can accomplish this. I have to do this by myself. And I promise I’ll be safe. Promise.” Chaewon answered giving Yena a tight hug before she left their company’s headquarters.

………….

Chaewon was wearing all black today. Black leather pants, a knitted off-shoulder crop top and black combat boots.

Her make up’s darker than usual—red lips as opposed to her usual pink and thick eyeliners to better accentuate her beautiful eyes.

She’s ready to go to the bar today.

--------------

It wasn’t the usual bar with the loud music and people swarming the dance floor looking for some quick hook up. Rather it was kinda quiet though not eerily quiet—just enough to serve as a relaxing spot after a long tiring day. The interior too screams of elegance; it was as if it’s taking you back on the days where retro designs are popular. There weren’t many people inside. Maybe because it was a Monday night.

Chaewon subtly scanned the place and when she had spotted the girl she was looking for; she went directly to the bar counter where her prospect was sitting.

“One blue island, please.” Chaewon ordered as soon as she sat on the bar stool, slouching lazily and burying her face on the table.

“A lady’s drink, huh? Afraid that I’ll be able to defeat you and escape from my fate if you’re not sobber enough?” Hifumi said, her body slightly tilted to her right, left elbow on the table with her left hand placed on her neck, eyeing specifically the girl who had just arrived, giving her a mocking smile.

“What are you saying? Do I even know you? I just came here to unwind.” Chaewon said nonchalantly, tilting her buried face to her left, looking at the younger with eyes saying that she’s truly clueless.

“Don’t act dumb on me, Chaewon. I know what you did to Hidemi and Hinami. And I know you’re here to get me as well…

…that is, if you can.” Hifumi said, with a devilish grin on her face.

By instinct, Chaewon immediately stood on her fighting stance as soon as the two names were mentioned. She was about to attack Hifumi with the syringe that she had on her pocket, but the girl has fast reflexes, so she managed to catch Chaewon’s wrist, gripping it tightly making it hard for the older to free herself.

“Oops, careful with that needle, babe.” Hifumi said as she pulled Chaewon nearer, whispering those words to her ears. Chaewon could sniff a faint smell of alcohol from the younger because of their close proximity.  

Chaewon then tried and luckily succeeded to release herself from Hifumi’s hold by forcefully twisting her arms.

“Interesting. You’re also good at combats. A motherly-like figure, a supportive friend and now a fearless fighter. What else do you have there?” her pained arm, Hifumi said, wearing an amused look on her face.  

“I can be anything you want me to be…

…but for tonight, I am your grim reaper. I’ll be the one to send you off.”

Once again, Chaewon attacked Hifumi but the girl managed to dodge swiftly. She has incredible reflex responses, as if she was a trained fighter like Chaewon.

……………..

“Ya! Stop hurting her you dumb cowards! Fight me instead!” The other kids got scared and run away.

Little Chaewon found little Tomi being bullied in the hallway; her hair’s getting pulled and the other kids are saying mean things to her.

However, Chaewon who was known as someone who never tolerated bullying especially when it is her precious Hii-chan that was involved, are feared by the other kids so they never dared fight her.

And, Hii-chan too, had always feared Chaewon’s ‘Ssamachi’ side. (I mean, who wouldn’t right?)

Chaewon tried to go after the bullies but Hitomi stopped her by holding her hand. Chaewon then gave up and just focus her attention on the younger.

“Hii-chaaaan…what happened to you?” Chaewon said, burrows furrowed with a worried look on her face, hand on the younger’s cheeks.

“Just a few scratches from the other kids. You know, I’m overly adorable, they get jealous of me.” Little Tomi answered with a soft chuckle, scratching the back of her head.

“And I know you didn’t fight back, Tomi-ya. For once, learn how to defend yourself, okay?” Little Chaewon said pinching the cute cheeks of the younger.

“AWWWW! WAIT! W-Wait! Unnie! You’re crashing my hopes and dreams!” Little Tomi said with a pout, touching her cheeks that had gotten red. “And in my defense, unnie, you’re already there. You’re my heroine who always comes right on time so why do I have to defend myself?” Little Tomi added as she playfully winks at the older.

--------------

‘I need to do this. I have to do this.’ Chaewon chants those sentences mentally over and over again to remind herself of her goal that she most definitely needed to accomplish.

There had been an exchange of a few more punches and kicks but it seems like the two were on par in terms of natural strength and speed. Whenever Chaewon lands a punch in the younger’s gut, Hifumi was able to counterattack with an uppercut. But both of them refused to give up—or rather, they can’t.

They most definitely couldn’t lose this battle. 

No. Not this one. Just… not this one.

However, thanks to Chaewon’s years of training which helped improve her animalistic instincts plus the adrenaline from wanting to succeed on the mission, upon seeing a split-second opening on the younger’s defense, she managed to land a kick on the girl’s stomach, which cause the other to fall down on her knees.

Taking this opportunity, Chaewon kicked her again in her chest so that she’ll completely lie on the floor.

Chaewon sat on top her. She then used her weight to push the body of the girl down and utilized all her strength to pin the other’s hands on the floor using her right while she was gripping the syringe on the other.

Hifumi struggled to free herself from Chaewon but the latter was really strong. You know that amount of power one gains as she struggles to survive from the situation so that she’s the one who’ll emerge victorious? That’s basically Chaewon’s source of strength now.  

“I need to survive! I HAVE TO SURVIVE! Who would protect her? Who will protect us if I get killed here?” Hifumi said as she tries to free herself from the older’s grasp.

When Chaewon heard this, she became softer.

“I…I will protect her. I promise. I promise to protect her with my life. Just please…let her go already. She’ll never get hurt again, I promise.” Chaewon said, as she looks sincerely at the younger, a single tear escape from her left eye.

With what Chaewon said, Hifumi stopped moving.

“You know her?” Hifumi was surprised by what she had heard.

“I k-know her very, very w-well.” Chaewon answered her voice cracking from preventing herself to sob.

 “So… you’re that girl she’s been searching for?”

“She’s been searching for me?” It was now Chaewon’s turn to be surprised.

“Yeah. She’s that dumb. You left her but then she’s still searching for you.” Hifumi said, avoiding Chaewon’s gaze.

“But…I’m here now. I’m sorry I have to leave in the past…but I’m here now and I wouldn’t leave her anymore.” Chaewon’s grip is becoming weak, almost losing the energy that she had from earlier.

“I don’t know if I could really trust you, but I trust her. I trust that she’ll love someone worthy. So I guess I’ll just have to trust you too.” Hifumi during this time, had completely given up; she doesn’t have any intention to fight back anymore.

“She…she loves me?”

“Of course, idiot. She wouldn’t have called your name every night in her sleep if she doesn’t. It was really annoying, to be honest. She looks like a lovestruck fool. It irks me so much; I wanna punch her in the face sometimes. You really suit each other, you know. You both are idiocy personified.”

She saw Chaewon glaring at her so she chuckled, amused. 

“Very protective, eh? I just said I wanted to, I didn’t say that I really did punch her. But yeah. I give up. You both idiots win.  

So just…I don’t give a damn anymore, kill me now and then save her. Make sure she’s always happy, okay?” For the last time, Hifumi flashed a genuine smile. It was so warm Chaewon’s heart instantly melted at the sight.

“I promise.” She grabbed the younger’s hands and made a pinky promise with her.

And with that, Chaewon ended her mission.

--------------

“Chaewon-unnie! I’ll be leaving the orphanage today with my adoptive parents, but I promise you I’ll call from time to time, okay? I also promise to ask my new Mom and Dad to occasionally visit here so that we could still hang out! Stop crying now, unnie or else I would cry too.” Little Tomi said, hugging Chaewon who was bawling her eyes out because she’s gonna miss the younger.

“I promise I’ll try to borrow sister Eunbi’s phone and contact you, too. Let’s make a pinky swear, Tomi-ya.” Little Chaewon showed her pinky finger to which Hitomi attached hers.

“You don’t have to worry about anything, unnie. Always remember that you’ll stay in my heart no matter what. No amount of distance would change that fact. I might forget them all or even myself but you, I’ll always remember you unnie.” Little Tomi said as she wipes the tears of the older even though her own tears are rolling down her face. 

“Speaking of reminders, since I won’t be with you anymore, always try not to indulge yourself to too much bread and eat proper meals, okay? And it’s getting colder nowadays,” Little Chaewon said as she wraps a peach-colored scarf around the neck of the younger. “Always wear thick clothes, okay? I don’t wanna hear you getting sick because you’re not taking care of yourself well!” The older added as she pinches the cute cheeks of the younger

“Ya! Chaewon-unnie!” Little Tomi pouted as she caresses the part of her cheek that had reddened. 

“Sorry, sorry. I couldn’t help it. You’re just too cute. But seriously, I’m gonna miss you, Hii-chaaan…” Chaewon said, going for another hug.

She just loves how a simple hug coming from the younger could give her so much warmth.

But yeah. They have to part now.

“I’m gonna miss you too, unnie. Don’t treat this a goodbye, okay? This is a ‘see you again.’”

Hitomi rode her adoptive parent’s car and leave. She pulled the window down and aggressively wave at the older. When Chaewon saw this, she had reciprocated the gesture with equal enthusiasm, smiling so wide until the car had left her sight.  

………

Chaewon would always visit the office of the orphanage to ask the nuns if they would let her use the telephone for a while. Every single day, at around noon, when they were supposed to spend it as a free time to play, she would come by the office and try her luck to contact the Honda household but it is always out of reach.

“Maybe they are just busy? I heard the Honda’s are managing an art studio. You could always try, Chaewonie. The telephone’s not going anywhere, don’t worry too much, okay?” Sister Eunbi said as she patted little Chaewon’s hair because she saw how disappointed the child looks.

Little Chaewon was closed to crying but she held her tears back.

“You’re right, Sister Eunbi! I’m never giving up!” The little girl said, holding both her hands that were balled into a fist up in the air.

Chaewon waited.

She had blindly placed her faith on the younger, believing that she wouldn’t break the promise that they had.

Because never once did Hitomi broke her promise especially if it’s a serious one.

And so, she waited.

And waited.

And waited some more.

While trying to contact the younger, she had also anticipated a call from her but Hitomi never did contact her for the past month. Little Chaewon’s getting sadder as days pass by but she had always kept in mind that there might be a reason behind all these.

‘She would not throw away our friendship that fast, right? And she promised. Right, Chaewon-a. She might be doing something more important. You have to understand her and don’t be sulky anymore, okay?’ Little Chaewon thought, convincing herself.  

The following week after that, there was this one lovely couple who liked Chaewon very much that they instantly decided to adopt her when they had spent some time with the little girl during their first visit.

Actually, many childless couples had liked Chaewon even before that. But Chaewon would always talk her way out, endorsing some other kids telling them that there were some other children who would be a better pick than her, making sure that the couples wouldn’t adopt her. That is because, she doesn’t wanna leave Hitomi behind. The younger had been very dependent on her that Chaewon was afraid she wouldn’t survive if she was left alone in the orphanage. And Chaewon doesn’t want that to happen.

For Chaewon, Hitomi is a very precious friend that she values more than herself. Chaewon, despite being so young at that time had a very mature mind. She had served as Hitomi’s guardian despite them being just a year apart, taking care of the younger like they were a real family. There’s just something about the younger that awakens Chaewon’s protective side. Like the younger was some kind of a fragile glass that might shatter if not handled well.

But for now, Chaewon thought that maybe, it would be easier for her to see the younger again if she would have a family of her own. Also, the couple who wants to adopt her seems like good-natured people.

The papers were processed immediately because the couple’s reputation and economic standing was good.

And Chaewon wasn’t wrong. Her adoptive parents were really kind and thoughtful; they always made sure Chaewon felt loved even if they weren’t blood related. They made sure she has everything she needs, both material and not.

For months she always tries to call the younger every day, but she had never gotten a reply.  

Not until that one day.

Chaewon had come back from her academy—it was a performing arts academy. Chaewon had always loved singing, dancing and acting. When her parents asked her about her hobbies and they had known this, right away the following day, they had enrolled the little girl in a school that offers such courses.  

It has always been Chaewon’s routine to throw her bag on the couch and immediately grab their landline to dial a particular number that she had now come to memorize. 

She tried calling ‘that’ number again. However, the call got dropped, just like what Chaewon had expected.

She sighed. Just how many times does she has to do this?

Over the past months, she had set her hopes lower but that doesn’t mean it would hurt any less.

Because it does not.

Sometimes, Chaewon would find herself idling, reminiscing about her time together with the younger. And then she would realize, when she sees some droplets, that she’s been crying unconsciously.

Chaewon doesn’t wanna give up. Of course, that’s the last thing she would do.

But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t get tired.

Because she is. Right now.

However, when the smiling face of the younger flashes on her mind, Chaewon would regain her hope again.

‘I could just rest when I’m tired. But to just forget about you? No, I wouldn’t do it, Tomi-ya.’ Chaewon thought, while lying down on her bed, left arm covering her eyes.

With stifled sobs, she cried herself to sleep. Again.

She didn’t even bother changing clothes.     

………….

She was awakened by the voice of her Mom, calling her to come out for dinner.

While at the dinner table, just like the usual, they would talk about what had happened to their day. Chaewon’s life as a matter of fact, is perfect now. Her parents take care of her exceptionally well, that she wouldn’t ask for anything more than what she is already receiving from them. And Chaewon wanted to be happy. She should be happy, right? Because she has something that the other orphan kids don’t?

But she couldn’t be fully happy when there’s a hole in her heart. A void that could only be filled by someone’s presence.

Like the usual too, her Mom’s looking through their landline’s call logs and inbox; making sure that she didn’t miss something important from their clients.

“Chaewonie, sweetie, did you give our home number to your classmate? There’s a message for you.  Here.” Mrs. Kim said as she hands the phone to her daughter.

“I don’t remember giving our number to my friends at school, Mom. Not unless…its…” Chaewon got excited, a surge of energy flowed through her veins.

And she was right. It was her. Hitomi.

Her Hitomi.

====

“Chaewon-unnie? This is Hitomi. Can you visit my house tomorrow? Here’s my address: xx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx.”

====

Chaewon replied ‘yes’ on the text message and she also tried to ask how she is. She tried calling the phone again, but the calls are still getting dropped. Chaewon had just ignored that fact as she excitedly asked her parents if they could accompany her to Hitomi’s house.

Her parents could see how much her aura changed after receiving that certain message. They were happy seeing their daughter like that, especially when they think that they don’t give her enough time because they are always busy. So, when they heard about her request, they immediately agreed to it, dropping other appointments that they were supposed to attend to the following day.

They pretty much got acquainted with Hitomi through Chaewon’s animated stories. Chaewon would always tell her parents about their interesting shenanigans and whatnots; Hitomi being the cute kid who’s also a bit of a troublemaker and how Chaewon would always got caught up with the younger’s adventurous deeds (that would sometimes led them into the office, getting an earful from Sister Eunbi).

It’s been close to a year since they last saw each other so Chaewon was really, really excited to see Hitomi again.

She wanted to catch up and talk to her about what they missed concerning each other’s lives for the past year…

“Careful sweetie! The Honda’s residence is just there, it wouldn’t run away. Don’t get too excited or you might trip and hurt yourself.” Chaewon’s mother said as she exits their car.  

“Sorry Mom! I just missed Hitomi so, so much!” Chaewon tiptoed as she tries pressing the doorbell, but she was too small, so her father carried her in his arms.

They were in front of a white gate. The house wasn’t that big, but it wasn’t small too. Just enough to mirror Honda family’s socio-economic status which was somewhere in the middle to upper-class tier.

It was indeed beautiful though. One could really tell that the family’s associated with the field of visual arts.     

“Got yah, sweetie. Now go, press it.”

“Thanks, Dad! You’re really the best!” Little Chaewon said as she gave her father a quick hug in the neck and then proceeding to push the house’s chimes.

The gate opened after a while. Walking towards them was Hitomi’s Mom wearing a printed dress, displaying a sugary smile on her face.

“My…my…is this the Kims? And you must be Chaewon? Our dear Hitomi’s close friend? Come in, come in and welcome to our humble abode.” Mrs. Honda said as she gestured her guests inside.   

“Yes, that’s me! Thank you for letting us visit, Mrs. Honda!” Chaewon bowed to show her respect.

“Sorry for the trouble, Mrs. Honda.” Chaewon’s mom flashed an apologetic smile.

 “Oh, it’s nothing. Anything for my dearest daughter.” Mrs. Honda said as she ushered them towards the living room.

If the outside looked lovely, the interior was 1000x better to the eyes. It gives off a very sophisticated vibe. Splashed with the hues of cream and brown; the walls looked classy. Paintings and decorations such as vintage-looking vases and seemingly expensive pieces of furniture (which looked custom-made) were strategically placed adding a more refined flavor to it.

But all that doesn’t matter to Chaewon for her eyes immediately searched the person who she had longed to see the most…

Hitomi.

With a glass table in front, she was sitting at the carpeted floor, scribbling something on what seems like a sketch pad. When she heard some noises, she immediately tilted her head and she saw the person that she hadn’t seen for the longest time.

Chaewon.

Her Chaewon.

When they locked eyes, Chaewon run towards the younger and without settling on her place, Hitomi met her halfway. They hugged, really, really tight; making sure that this moment was indeed a reality and not just a mere dream.  

“Hi-chaaaan, I missed you so much! It’s been so long. Do you miss me too?” Chaewon said, releasing herself from the hug, cupping the cheeks of the younger.

“Of course, unnie. I missed you so much. So, so much that I wish we could just be together forever.” Hitomi said placing her palms on top of that of the older which was still on her cheeks.

“Silly. Obviously, that’s not possible. You have your own family and I have mine too.” Chaewon chuckled, pinching the cheeks of the younger.

Oh, how she missed doing that. And she couldn’t believe that she was able to, now. After so many months of very exhausting waiting game, she’s now finally in front of her.  

“But maybe in the future? Shall we be together? You know, get married and stuff.” Chaewon added, winking at the younger.

“Unnie, we’re just nine and yet you’re talking about marriage.”

“That’s why I told you, let’s wait ‘til we become adults. Hmph. Why, don’t you wanna marry me? Kim Chaewon? You would dare refuse a Kim Chaewon?” The older jokingly scoffed.

“Right, right. Don’t be too sulky, unnie. You’ve become more shameless than me now.” Hitomi said, chuckling, as she remembered she had acted such way too, in the past. 

“So… I guess we’re in-laws now?” Chaewon’s dad joked.

Everybody laughed at his remark.

……………

The adults were conversing in the living room; talking about business stuff which Chaewon and Hitomi find boring.  

“Mom, can we go to the garden? I promise I won’t do anything stupid.” Hitomi asked her Mom.

“Sure, go ahead, honey.” Mrs. Honda answered, flashing a smile as a sign of permission.

When they arrived at the garden, they sat on the grass. One could tell that the garden was well-maintained, and the plants too were not the typical ones—they mostly were different varieties of orchids.

Upon settling down their place, Chaewon stared at Hitomi, observing the younger on a closer distance. She realized that she might have been too excited to hug Hitomi earlier that she only had the chance now to notice some changes on her—physically.

“I see you got thinner Tomi-ya. You also have circles under your eyes. Staying up late again to read books?” Chaewon teased the younger.

Chaewon had known that Hitomi was the type to never follow the ‘lights off rule’ back when they were still at the orphanage because the moment she got really absorbed with what she is reading, she would never stop until she’s done with the very last page (and she would blabber about it for days that’s why even if Chaewon did not read the book herself, she could pretty much narrate the summary of the story).

“You could say that unnie.” Hitomi smiled.

Chaewon on the other hand, was confused…

‘Was that…perhaps…a sad smile…?’

The older girl wondered. She brushed it off, though.

‘Maybe I was just overthinking. Because…she will tell me, right? If there’s something wrong? We’ve promised to tell each other everything. There was no way she’ll willingly hide things from me.’ Chaewon thought.

“You know what, I really wanna grew up fast unnie.” Chaewon snapped back to reality when she heard the younger speak.

“So that you could marry me already?” Chaewon giggled, trying to make the atmosphere more cheerful.

“That… and also…I heard parents allow you to become independent and live by yourself when you’re in college already. I don’t know, maybe I just wanna experience that?” Hitomi said as she proceeds to lay on the ground, looking at the sky.

Hitomi’s remark seemed too uncanny for Chaewon but then again, just like earlier, she chose to just ignore it.

Hitomi then extended her arms; it was as if she was reaching for something invisible in the sky.

“Look how free the birds are, unnie. Someday I wanna be like them, too.” Hitomi said smiling.

“You know what Tomi-ya, you’re getting weird. I swear.”

“You’re just overthinking things, unnie. And for the record, I’ve been weird ever since like, diaper days. What are you even saying?” Hitomi chortled.

“Right. Right. What am I even saying…” Chaewon smiled as she tried to observe the younger’s face for signs of oddity. But the thing is, she couldn’t find anything of the sort.

‘Come on Kim Chaewon. You’re the one being strange here. Don’t mess this up! Get a hold of yourself!’ Chaewon mentally hit herself. 

And by that Chaewon went back to her usual cheery self. The two enjoyed each other’s company.

They talked about each other’s hobby. Chaewon told Hitomi what she’s been doing for the past months as well as her new-found friends in her school.

“You know, there was this duck-like and hamster-like kid in my class and they were my first friends! I wish you could meet them too because they’re cool people. Not unlike those bullies back in the orphanage. You know what, I really am glad you’ve left that place already so they won’t be able to hurt you anymore just because they’re jealous. How about you? What have you been up to during those times we’re away from each other?”

“I am kind of like…homeschooled. My parents are artists; Mom’s specialty is sketching using charcoal and colored pencils while Dad is a painter. They own an art shop too, so they pretty much serve as my teachers.”

“Woah! Didn’t you always love art? That’s like, super nice, Hii-chan! You get to do what you love the most. Wait, if that’s the case, then you must have a sketch pad of your own drawings, right? Let me see! Let me see!” Chaewon said excitedly, shaking the younger who’s just smiling at her.

Of course Hitomi couldn’t say no to the older. She went to her room to grab her sketch pad.

Chaewon excitedly flipped the pages but she made sure to tone her energy down because she doesn’t want to accidentally tear this prized possession of the younger. Upon seeing the drawings, Chaewon showered the younger with compliments. However, she then added, 

“Never thought you’ll change your art style Tomi-ya. These are really great visually. Like, really. You’re indeed a great artist, I’m telling you. But…” Chaewon hesitated to continue what she was about to say.

“…but it lacks emotions, I know that unnie.” Hitomi finished Chaewon’s sentence.

“You could just go back to your previous art style and improve it. You know, just like when we were in the orphanage? That one’s not as visually perfect as this but I’ll score those perfect emotions-wise.” Chaewon tried to cheer Hitomi up.

“I wish it was as simple as that unnie.” Hitomi said, a sigh escaped from her lips.

“Why won’t it be?” Chaewon asked, a bit confused and a bit worried.

Hitomi remained silent, as if contemplating whether she would answer the older’s question or not.

“Chaewon-ie, sweetie, time to go home it’s getting late!” Chaewon’s mother called her.

“You should go home now, unnie. Let’s just meet again some other time.” Hitomi hugged her as a way of bidding goodbye.

“Promise?” The older stretched her arm, showing her pinky finger.

“Promise.” The younger answered as she attached hers to it.

--------------

After that day, them communicating with each other through calls became a norm. There was never a day that they didn’t talk to each other so even if they couldn’t meet physically (because Hitomi says that her parents were always busy and they couldn’t accommodate them for now), Chaewon was still happy and contented because she could at least hear the voice of the younger.

One day, after her classes had ended, Chaewon rode her school bus, excited for her once-a-day talk with Hitomi over the phone. She’s gonna tell her that she received so many praises today after performing a song in class as part of their graded, individual performance. However, upon entering the house, she heard her parents murmuring in hushed tones.  

“Honey, how can we tell this to our daughter? I’m sure she’ll get shocked by the news.”

“Let’s just be with her and give her strength, I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

Chaewon entered their home and she saw seriousness painted on her parents faces.

“Tell me what, Mom, Dad?” Chaewon said, baffled by what she had heard.

“Sweetie, we’ll be visiting Hitomi tomorrow.”

“Really Mom?” Chaewon said enthusiastically.

“Yes sweetie.”

“So her parents agreed now? They aren’t busy anymore? Oh my ghadniss! I’m so excited to see her again! I’ll be eating an early dinner and I’ll be sleeping early too so that when I woke up, it’s already tomorrow!” Chaewon uttered, skipping towards her room. 

…………..

“Mom, this isn’t the way towards Honda’s Residence though. I thought we’re gonna visit Hii-chan?” Chaewon said, a tad of discomfort creeping up her system.

“You’ll see it later, sweetie.” Her mom said as she reached for her daughter’s hand to squeeze it.

………………………..

“Why are we in a hospital, Mom?” Little by little, Chaewon’s starting to panic now; turning her head towards different direction, she could see people in white lab coat and others wearing hospital gowns.

Chaewon had hated hospitals. Being in a hospital means something bad had happened, right? So she hated it. She hated how the place reeks of chemical and disinfectant and any other things which isn’t good.

But more so than that, she’s worried sick.

The fact that they are in a hospital right now means…something bad might have happened, right? And she didn’t want to dwell on negative thoughts, but her mind’s not cooperating with her.   

“Wait for a while, sweetie. We’ll explain everything to you when we get there. I promise. For now, calm down, okay? I could feel you panicking.” Chaewon’s mom said as she hugs her daughter to comfort her.

A nurse carrying a folder in her hands came approaching them.

“Is it Mr. and Mrs. Kim? And you scheduled a visit for… Ms. Honda Hitomi, right?”

“Yes…what room is she in?”

“She’s in room 22x”

“Thank you.” They bowed at the nurse as a sign of courtesy.

Every step that she takes, Chaewon gets more and more nervous. Her Mom and Dad were quiet—maybe even too quiet on their way to the room that the nurse had told them.

After a few more steps, her Mom stopped walking; looking at something or rather someone, with visible pain in her eyes. She traced the direction of her mom’s line of sight and she was surprised to see Hitomi, lying on the bed, eyes closed.

“M-Mom, why i-is Hii-chan there? D-Did something h-happen to her? What h-happened to h-her?” Chaewon said, she was already sobbing uncontrollably.

“Calm down first, sweetie. Breathe in, breathe out.” She did what her Mom told her.

After doing so, her terror lessened though her eyes were still drenched with tears.

“I-I could l-listen now…Mom…I’m…I’m sorry for my reaction earlier…” Chaewon said as she closed her eyes because she can’t keep looking at the younger or else, she’ll break down again.

“It’s fine sweetie, that’s a very understandable reaction. I know you’re still young to hear about these things, but I also trust that my wonderful daughter’s mature for her age. Though Mom will try to explain it to you in simpler terms, okay?” Chaewon’s mom softly said, brushing the hair of her daughter using her fingers. Chaewon just nodded.

“So let’s just say there’s an angel, a princess and two monsters that are pretending to be good guys…Yesterday, we’ve been informed that the angel had saved the princess from the hands of the monsters that’s been hurting her every day. And the princess is…

“Hii-chan?” Chaewon said and her mother just nodded.

“But don’t worry, the princess is safe now, sweetie…but you know, when you had an injury especially the deep ones…?”

“I-It d-doesn’t heal f-fast.” Chaewon continued her mother’s sentence, crying even more from what she had learned. She couldn’t believe she didn’t read into Hitomi’s unusual way of talking and just dismissed it as being the younger’s usual weird self.  

And that’s what Mr. and Mrs. Kim were discussing yesterday. They have watched from the news that a concerned maid reported an issue of domestic violence. The adoptive parents of the child were physically abusing their daughter every day, she could almost hear the child’s painful whimper every night. The maid’s conscience doesn’t let her sleep anymore at night, so she went to the authority and help them catch the parents red-handed.

“So that’s why Hitomi is there at the bed sleeping, resting her mind and body. She’s recovering and let’s just pray for her fast healing, okay? Everything’s going to be fine. I promise you that, sweetie.” Her mom gave her a tight hug, wishing that it could take away her daughter’s suffering.

However, it isn’t that easy because for Chaewon, she had utterly failed Hitomi. 

--------------

“Ssamu, wake up! Chaewon! Kim Chaewon! Ssamachi!” Yuri was panicking as she saw Chaewon’s having difficulty breathing in her sleep.

Chaewon had woken up with tears in her face.

“The same old nightmare again? How many times do I have to tell you not to forget drinking your medicine?” Yuri said, her heart’s beating so fast because of anxiety.

Chaewon just nodded her head.

“I’m sorry, I just…I just thought it would now stop since…”

“Hush…hush… I’m sorry for scolding you. Just…don’t scare me like that again, okay?” The hamster-like girl said as she proceeded to hug the older.

“And stop blaming yourself for everything, Chaewon-unnie. It wasn’t your fault. You know full well that it wasn’t your fault.” Yuri said as she caressed the older’s back.

“It was partly my fault…if I didn’t leave her behind, her condition might’ve not gotten worse. I could’ve…I could’ve done something…anything…”

Chaewon was still crying in Yuri’s arms while the younger was her back, consoling her.

“Sshh… You didn’t have a choice. You’re like, only ten during that time and your family needed to move to another place for your father’s job. Of course you have to go with them…what matters the most is that you came back for her…you came back and you saved her. And look, you could even talk to her later when she’s finally released. So, stop crying like a baby already, okay?”

“Ya! I’m not a baby!” Chaewon said removing herself from the hug, her eyes and nose were red from crying.

“Yeah sure, ‘leader of the babie community’. Let’s just say that I agreed.” Yuri chuckled at the sudden change of mood of her best friend.

As soon as she had left the bed, not minding that much how she looked, Chaewon just grabbed a simple mint-colored hoodie in her closet, pairing it with a black track pants.

It is her that she’s seeing today so she…

She doesn’t have to put up her defense.

--------------

“Yena-un—” Chaewon fake-coughed. “I mean, Chief Choi, where is she?” Upon arriving at their company, specifically their department, Chaewon immediately approached Yena’s office.

“At her designated room. I’m sure you know where that is.” Yena answered with a wink as she removed her gaze from the computer monitor.

“I’m just making sure.” Chaewon said, rolling her eyes at the older—who, if ever she’s been forgetting things, happens to be her team leader. Basically her boss. But yeah, you really don’t wanna stir her (not-so) hidden Ssamachi side or you’ll sure regret it.  

--------------

Not wasting anymore time, Chaewon went directly to the room where the younger was assigned.

“Hitomi? Honda Hitomi? Hii-chaaan! Tomi-ya!” Chaewon said as she reached the door, striding quickly towards the younger’s bed.

“Yes, the one and only. At your service, Chaewon-unnie. No more Hidemi, Hinami, and Hifumi. Just, your plain, weird Honda Hitomi.” The younger replied, placing her book down on the nearest table beaming wide at the older.

“Oh God… I… I didn’t know I’ll be able to meet you like this again…I…I really missed you so much, it drives me insane whenever I spent days without you by my side.” Chaewon said as she hugged the younger, burying her face in her neck so that she’ll be acquainted with the scent she missed the most.

“But you have met the other me, right?” Hitomi answered, patting the older’s back gently.

“But they weren’t you Tomi-ya. They’re your other personalities. What I want is Honda Hitomi.” Chaewon said removing herself from the hug but as soon as she finished her sentence, she went back into cuddling the younger.

A bit clingy, yeah. 

“And I’m here. In the flesh. And I’m never going anywhere. Without you, that is.” Hitomi said as she tightened the hug, making sure that her feelings would come across the older through this simple gesture.

After a few more minutes of hugging, the two decided to talk about what happened to them during the years that had gone by.

“So I guess they’ve explained everything to you by now?” Chaewon was now holding the younger’s hand, playing with it using her fingers. 

“Hmmm…just a bit. I told them I would love to hear the story straight from you. So, could you tell me what exactly happened, unnie?”

……………………

When Chaewon was old enough to be independent, her parents let her fly back to Korea.

She found Hitomi in the same hospital. Chaewon’s parents were so thoughtful and generous; they even volunteered into paying for the younger’s hospital bills and her other needs. They are also kinda guilty that they couldn’t do anything about their daughter and her treasured friend parting ways.

When Chaewon arrived at Korea, even if she’s sleep-deprived, the first thing that she did was to go straight to the hospital where the younger was confined.

She had hoped nothing changed with the younger.

But she was wrong. Everything had changed.

Just like her, Hitomi’s appearance had matured too.

But it wasn’t just her appearance that had changed…

When she talked to the nurse that was assigned to take care of Hitomi, she found out that the younger had developed “Dissociative Identity Disorder” or in simpler terms, “Multiple Personality Disorder” due to the trauma that she had experienced in the past as well as the lack of support system from anyone she knew.

Chaewon blamed herself for all…that had happened to the younger. She couldn’t even muster up the courage to show herself to Hitomi.

She had prayed really hard…for a miracle…anything that would save the younger from such a miserable life.

And thank God, the Heavens might’ve heard her earnest wishes.

Because in that same year, there was a breakthrough in Mental Health technology.

It was a system that could ‘literally’ eliminate the ‘other personalities’.

The person suffering from DID would be placed in that system. They would put the patient into a deep sleep, create an imaginary world in the patient’s mind where the other personalities could roam around and then send agents that would personally eliminate those other personalities so that they could finally free the ‘real owner of the body’.

“You see, I had blamed myself so much because of what happened to you, so I decided to apply on the agency’s training for interested job seekers. Good thing I had a background in acting so I got accepted fast.

The system was still undergoing experiments during that time. It even took a lot of years to perfect such a sophisticated technology. And even now, it is still on the process of innovation. We could only send one agent with the level of technology that we had right now so the mission’s usually being accomplished after several days. A week, at most.

But I think it’s all worth it because you’re here with me now.” Chaewon reached for the younger’s hand, drawing random shapes on it.

“You must’ve suffered a lot, unnie. You might fool others with your strong front but you wouldn’t be able to deceive me. It was never your fault, okay? It must’ve been really hard for you. All these years…you’ve spent them caring for me. I don’t think I deserve that kind of affection, but I’m really thankful that I had known you in this lifetime.

I always thank the Heavens every day for bringing you into my life. Having received the most precious gift that I didn’t even asked for but was given to me…I’m just…really, really grateful.

Even if it took too long and the journey’s been heck of a bumpy one, I’m still happy because it had led me back to you.

I’m sorry though if I had burdened you. I didn’t mean to, but I think I really do have a bad luck.” It was now Hitomi’s turn to get emotional, her hands are shaking from trying to stop herself from crying.

Chaewon then felt the need to reassure the younger. She intertwined their hands together and shook her head. “What are you saying? If that would ever happen again, I would still save you. Over and over again. You were never once a burden to me, Tomi-ya.”

Hitomi smiled at her. She saw how sincere Chaewon was. So, in order to change the gloomy mood, she uttered,

“Yes of course. I know you wouldn’t want to lose your beloved fiancé. Kim Chaewon, a whipped, hopeless gay. We been knew.” Hitomi giggled; she suddenly had the urge to tease the older.

“Fiance? Where did that even come from?” Chaewon replied, one of her eyebrows arching up.

“From you? Remember, you said you would love to marry me when we grow up?”

“I said that? Really?” Chaewon tried faking her surprised and confused face.

“What!? Ya! You don’t remember that anymore, unnie? You forcefully made me accept your proposal and now you’re telling me that you do not recall any of it? Hmph.” Hitomi was sulking like an adorable baby; brows furrowed and her lips forming a pout.

“Just kidding. Of course I wouldn’t forget about that.

But lemme ask you again this time.

Honda Hitomi, marry me, please.”

“Ya, ya, ya! Why do you always propose when I least expect it! You’re always catching me off guard.” Hitomi withdrew her hands from the older and crossed her arms.

“Ya! You don’t have plans of answering my proposal? Should I just approach the team leader of the department that handles the issue about clones? I heard she’s quite a catch. What’s her name again? Minju? Kim Minju? Oh perfect, we’re both Kims!” Chaewon said taunting the younger.

“Ya! Kim Chaewon, don’t you even dare do such thing or Hifumi’s coming back to kick your !” Hitomi answered; Chaewon must’ve been successful on messing with her for she looks red and annoyed. “So, you’ve been dating another girl behind my back?”

“No! Of course not! You’re doubting my loyalty? Let me then tell you that I’m the most loyal of them all; I do honestly think I very much deserve a ‘Loyalty Award’.” Chaewon answered, quite offended. For real.

“But you just told me—”

Before Hitomi could even utter a reply, the older had stopped her by claiming her lips. Her eyes widened from the sudden (heart-fluttering) attack; she didn’t know whether she would withdraw or savor the moment (but of course her gay side won, yay).

It was just a peck at first; it was as if Chaewon was still testing the waters. After making sure that the younger has no intentions of pushing her away, Chaewon’s lips started moving. Soon after, with eyes closed and arms s around the older’s neck, Hitomi kissed her back with the same passion and intensity.

Moments later, the speed turned slower and sweeter; it was like they were just feeling how good the other person’s lips tasted. With the two caught up in their own little world, both couldn’t help but think how much they wanted for this moment to last and how they both don’t want to let go.

But of course they have to. Or else they’ll be out of breath (and die and that also meant changing the tag of this story into angst. Imagine turning this story into angst because the main characters died of…kissing…?)

With their foreheads against each other, they could feel each other’s breath as they gasp for air. Chaewon then whispered against the younger’s lips,

“So, you believe me now?”

“Pretty much. And yes, I will marry you, Kim Chaewon. I’ll gladly spend the rest of my life together with you. I don’t care if it’s still gonna be a rough road ahead of us because you’re with me now.”  

With their hearts beating as one and their smiles illuminating their desire to start anew and regain the chances that they had lost because fate had done them both dirty; the two closed their eyes.

After so many years of getting lost, wandering on unfamiliar places, not seeming to find the right direction, they are now finally home.

Back in each other’s arms; back to the place where they truly belong.

They have long waited for such a moment. This time, they would make sure nothing would be able to hinder their love.

Even if it’s the ing universe.