Kim Hyu Me’s point of view

Tok…tok…tok…

The solemn sound that my sandals make echoes through the empty hallway of the school. I wish it would stop; it sounds so familiar in my ears, it feels so familiar to me.

Oppa and I passed a translucent glass where both of us can see our vague reflections. I stared back at the girl who’s supposed to be me. Her dark red hair is fixed in small wavy lines that hang around her shoulders. Her whole face is touched with light make-up that emphasizes her features. The sparkly white eyeshadow and dark eyeliner gives an intense look with her deep green eyes and her eye-catching pink gown compliments with her white complexion.

The girl is a complete opposite of who I am right now. I should be uncomfortable; I should feel awkward with showing off skin and complain of wearing such high heels. But why don’t I feel anything of those? Wearing these stuffs feel so… normal; like I’m used to these. I bit my lip as the slight headache strikes my head again. The same thing happened when Jonghyun and I attended a formal party. At first I thought it’s because of those crazy neon lights. But now I realized it’s because some memories are coming back to me.

I haven’t forgotten everything really. I now remember some parts where I went to school in states and the things I do after that. The extravagant places, the sparkling chandeliers or silver disco balls and mouth-watering food are all ordinary to me… these are all way too ordinary to me.

Can it really be true? Is it possible that I actually lived in a luxurious life before? If not, why do I feel accustomed with these party things? Was I a party animal or a brat before? I shivered at the very thought.

A warm cloth hangs on my shoulder; it was Minseuk oppa’s tuxedo. “You’re cold Hyu Me.” He said with a very kind tone. I tucked Milady’s flower on the big pocket of oppa’s tuxedo and slid both of my hands inside it. I looked up at oppa’s good-looking face and muttered my thanks to him.

“Shall we?” He bowed to me like a prince and went on walking. I followed him but stayed one foot behind him. My fingers traced the smooth and soft texture of Milady’s flower as a question races inside my head.

Why did he give it to me?

There’s a girl I want for tonight… the same girl my dongsaeng Minho likes. I remember oppa say that. If there’s a girl then why did he offer the flower to me? Don’t tell me the girl that the Choi brothers likes… is me.

I shook my head vigorously. That’s impossible! There must be some misunderstanding. I know Minho; he can’t fall for a girl like me…

Right?

“Hyu Me are you still curious about the poem ‘Under the Silver Moon’?”

“Huh? Oh,” I was so busy with my thoughts that it took me awhile to focus to Minseuk. “Ah, neh. I’d appreciate it if you tell me oppa.” I sighed, although I’m still confused, I’m quite thankful that he still acts normal around me. I heard people saying you are somehow bound to the person once you accept Milady’s flower.

“It’s quite long Hyu Me, I hope you won’t doze off.” I was surprised when he suddenly pinched my nose. I tapped his fingers and childishly protected my nose. He laughed and stared at me with an amused expression. I looked away and cleared my throat, for some reason, I remember his younger brother frowning at me. “Let’s stroll along while you tell me oppa.” I told him.

And so we did. Minseuk looks at the big bright moon up in the clouds and started to recite the poem…

Under the Silver Moon

Twice under the Silver Moon,

Two brothers were born in Seoul.

Life back then was cruel and deceiving

That the two brothers were raised in scraps and almost nothing

Their father who had a weak health died early

 Their mother who could not bear it followed him one day

The two brothers, alone and hungry

Cursed life for its inequality

The two brothers swore they will grow up as fine rich men

Under the Silver moon, such promise was sealed not knowing that it shall soon be a burden

Years has passed and the two brothers became invincible

Through hardwork they became richest in Seoul. Indeed in this world, anything is possible

The older brother is now called Sir Montaque

A genius and active lad; almost perfect as said in facts

While the second one who has seen the bitterness in his life in his very young age

Became a quiet but handsome man who had the ladies’ hearts caged

Sir Montaque who was deprived to study due to poverty

Once decided Under the Silver Moon to build a school with such beauty

His younger brother quietly supported him

And soon they shall start building such extravagant University no one can imagine

The two brothers have lived in prosperity for so long

Never had they expected that another test would come along.

One night under the Silver Moon the two brothers went outside and rest

A staggering figure collapsed in front of their mansion creating such mess

The two lords reached out ready to help

And was stunned at what they saw

A Maiden with such beauty and aura

Her name as she said is Milady Viena

Under the Silver Moon the two brothers fell in love

As the younger brother knew how the other feels he withdraws and let Montaque make his move

Sir Montaque and Milady Viena was indeed for each other

The entire Seoul also agrees with this matter.

When everyone thought everything is finally at peace

A sudden accident has happened as it seems

Under the Silver Moon beside a huge Mango tree

Lays the body of the younger brother cold, stiff and bloody

There were numerous stabs near his chest

And his limp body suggested that he did not try to resist

There was no clue to know who had done such cruelty except for scars that is on the wrist of the younger brother

The scars form an unfinished phrase and the only thing that is written is: PROMISE UNDER

Sir Montaque who was in deep pain

Had Milady Viena holding him on so he won’t go insane

And there Sir Montaque has proven that through thick and thin

This woman is the only one for him

And so again once under the Silver Moon Sir Montaque confesses

He pulls out a very special flower that is definitely suited for princesses

He kneels in front of her and set his eyes on her

Expressing all that he’s been hiding

People have perceived me as a man with such intelligence and power

But what they don’t know is in front of you I’m dumb and weak like no other

What have you done to me Milady?

Under this Silver moon you have made me crazy

Milady Viena will you accept me?

I didn’t notice oppa has stopped walking that I almost bumped into him. I looked around and found out that we stopped near a very big mango tree. “What happened after that?” I asked; curious and a bit sad at what happened to the younger brother. “Did Milady Viena accept the flower?”

No reply…

“Oppa?”

Minseuk finally faced me. He took out the flower he gave me from my pocket and knelt in front of me. I was so shocked that I unknowingly took a step back. “We’ll both know it now Hyu Me.” He said in a soft whisper.

He holds the flower and twirls it with his forefinger and thumb. He’s smile faded and was replaced with a serious expression. “Quit the show.”

My pulse quickens at those three words. I’m sure I heard it right but my ears couldn’t accept it. “Wh-what do you…”

“You know what I mean Hyu Me… I worry about you. It’s not good to stay in this virtual show. I’m asking…no, I mean… I’m begging you to quit ‘My Sweet Ordinary Girlfriend’” He said as he continues to twirl the flower.

I shook my head not believing what’s currently happening. “What a-about Minho---”

“This is not about him Hyu Me!!!”

“Why are you doing this???” I asked him exasperatedly.

Finally he bore his eyes into mine with such intensity. The flower stopped twirling as he raises it near my hand. “People have perceived me as a man with such intelligence and power… but what they don’t know is in front of you I’m dumb and weak like no other… What have you done to me Milady...? Under this Silver moon you have made me crazy…”

Why is this happening? I wish I could move and leave this absurdity. Too bad I can’t, my body has stiffened and my eyes are well-glued to Minseuk. “Oppa…”

“I like you Hyu Me,”

My face heat up at once, no one has said that to me so seriously before. Jonghyun did tell me this but back then I knew he meant that he likes me as a friend. Oppa’s free hand reaches out and touched my cold hands. “I like you… I can’t stand seeing you being falsely tied with my dongsaeng just for some show. It’s too much for me. And so I’m here kneeling in front of you again to ask you the same question I gave at the stage awhile ago…”

“Kim Hyu Me, will you accept me?”

Minho’s point of View

I like you Hyu Me

It’s over.

My whole body went rigid as ice. I didn’t know what exactly I am feeling but I’m quite sure it’s not good. Minseuk hyung is cruel. I know he saw me while Hyu Me and he were walking. He purposely stops below the Mango Tree where I’m on and confessed to Hyu Me… my supposed to be girlfriend. What did he want to prove to me? That he is way better? That he’ll get anything he wants?

That he can get the person I like?

Reality is harder to accept when it just smacks you in the face without any warning… just like what it did to me now.

Hyu Me’s pretty face is contorted with surprise and confusion. Why are her cheeks flushing again, is it because she wanted hyung back?

Stop watching Choi Minho, I told myself even if I know it’s useless. I’ll be up here pathetically sitting, hiding and peeking… frozen for a long time.

I like you… I can’t stand seeing you being falsely tied with my dongsaeng just for some show.

I leaned on the trunk of the tree as I stared down at them. Falsely tied… yes that’s what Hyu Me and I are. We’re two strangers stuck to please the whole Korea with our dictated lives. We’re both in reality in a surreal world. Just for some show? That’s what I thought at first too but after being with her for almost two months, I keep forgetting there are cameras around us. I don’t go to the set to do my job any more. I go to the set because I want to … because I want to see her pout… because I want to see her laugh.

Kim Hyu Me, I don’t know about you, but all of it weren’t just for some show to me.

Kim Hyu Me, will you accept me?

Hyung has asked her the same question when they were on stage. Funny, I’m still in the mango tree until now. Pathetic… Should I go down and just punch him? Ani, I feel so hopeless right now, I can’t even find the will to stand up against him anymore. Besides…If Hyu Me likes him back then I’d be surely cutting how happy she feels right now.

I massaged my head with my left hand. My chest was tightening as Hyung’s question lingers… as Hyu Me’s answer is hanging… as I am waiting.

I took another peek at Hyu Me’s face. My hands form into fists at once. I looked away, not able to stand it any longer.

Kim Hyu Me is smiling.

I didn’t expect her to just agree to quit the show, I didn’t expect her to smile, I didn’t expect all of this! No matter how much I’d try to deny this to myself, a part of me was hoping that Hyu Me would hesitate… she would hesitate because of me. Darn it, I was so full of myself!

“Ah,” I heard her start. I hope she would just say yes immediately. She’s torturing me more than she’ll ever know.  “So this is what you’re trying to do.”

Huh?

I looked down once again and found Hyu Me taking a step back. The smile was still there but all the nervousness was gone. “Whoo, that was tiring. You can stand up now oppa.”

“Hyu Me--”

“Drop the act already.” Her voice suddenly turned cold. I can see how she tries not to give hyung a dirty look. “It was fun playing with you oppa but I think we should stop here.”

She tries to walk out but Minseuk held her hand. Hyu Me stopped and stared at their hands. “You can’t stand me dating Minho for a show? Tsk. Then if I’ll accept you then would cameras stop filming us now too?”

I gasped, as I realized why Hyu Me is angry. She finally learned the truth.

“I knew it all along oppa. The Milady’s flower was there in purpose so that I would pick it, you were there in the broom shed on purpose so that we can meet, and you weren’t in the school’s clinic not because you were concerned of me and you were there in the restaurant knowing Yuri unnie and dimwit would come.” She pulled her hand out and finally met the guilty eyes of my brother. “All of it... all of it were for the cameras. For the hidden cameras of ‘My sweet Ordinary girlfriend’, the show you badly want me to quit.”

Hyu Me lifts her heavy gown and stormed towards the big bushes. She parted the leaves with her own hands and there she saw… the show’s director holding a small camera. “I knew it.” Hyu Me bit her lip she went to other bushes and found the other staff holding scripts or cameras. She went to the classrooms near the place and saw make up artists and the other members of the PD. She was walking everywhere and found the whole crew of the show one by one. She was greeted with embarrassed expressions or excited looks. Seeing Hyu Me, Minseuk tried to draw her back by holding both of her shoulders. “Stop it Hyu Me.”

“LET GO! LET GO OF ME! IS THIS WHAT YOU MEAN? A NORMAL PARTY WITHOUT CAMERAS???” Hyu Me thrashed and thrashed until she slipped and fell on the cold marble. Numerous people reached out to her but she denied all of them. “After manipulating me, you expect me to accept your help now?”

The whole room froze at what she said. She stood up on her own and looked around with wide and hurt eyes. “Tell me, what do you want to achieve by making Minseuk confess to me?”

The make up artist, who was the closest staff to Hyu Me in the show tried to explain. “Hyu Me it was a test---”

“Of what? A test if I’ll stick to the rival couple even if his elder brother is here being so sweet to me?” All heads bowed a little due to guilt. Hyu Me was shaking; her hair all messed up from falling. “All of you were expecting me to hurt Minho. Do you know how terrible I feel? Isn’t it enough that I’m betraying him by dating fou—hmmf!”

A camera man clamped her hand over Hyu Me’s mouth. Hyung pushed him away furiously, “What are you doing to her?!!!”

“She’s was about to say something not good!” The man shot back.

“A-ah, so dimwit is somewhere here listening to us.” Hyu Me said as she touched her hurt face. She turned her attention to our director who was so shocked at the moment. “Were you nervous I’d spill it out?”

“HYU ME!” All of the staff shouted, scolding her. I don’t know why, but for some reason all of them looked so nervous. What was she supposed to spill? Is it about my hyung again?

“This is a good scene. So much drama, don’t edit it out.” Hyu Me said in the most mocking voice I’ve ever heard from her.

“Hyu Me, I know you’re hurt about this. I shouldn’t have accepted this deal.” Minseuk said as he pulled her towards him and wiped her face with a handkerchief. “I didn’t mean any harm; I only wanted to sort the minority my brother feels when he’s with me. I was hoping he would stand up against me because of you. Mhiane…”

“Ani, I should be sorry.” Hyu Me said in a flat tone. “Mhiane oppa, I can’t accept you.”

For one moment, everyone froze, not realizing yet that Hyu Me has finally answered my brother’s question. When they did, they all silently went back to their places and properly rolled the cameras.

My hyung on the other hand unknowingly dropped the handkerchief at what he heard. Hyu Me set her determined deep green eyes to hyung. “I can’t accept you when all I can think of is Minho right now. Minho hates being compared to you. Eversince I started being friends with you, all people are comparing him to you, saying you are way better. I blame myself for that.”

“So you mean you can’t accept me because you pity my dongsaeng?” Minseuk seriously asked.

“Ani, even if the situation is not like this, I’d still choose him.” She answered back. “If we were normal people I’d still choose Minho. Even if I would know you first I’d still choose Minho. Even if Minho asks me to stay away from him, I’d still choose him.”

Minseuk dropped his gaze on the ground while Hyu Me went to the nearest camera. “Hear that people of Korea? I choose Minho! I’m rival couple all the way! You want to test me with your hidden cameras? Bring it on but I’m telling you, I’ll never have a change of heart. When all of you leave him, I’ll stay with Choi Minho.”

“Why…” Hyung started in a shaky voice. “Why are you so kind to him? Why did you choose him??”

Hyu Me cocked her head towards hyung. “Easy, ‘cause he is my boyfriend”

“He’s your fake boyfriend Hyu Me!”

“And what are you oppa, my fake suitor or my fake friend?” Minseuk was taken aback at what she said but Hyu Me ignored her like something else matters more to her right now. She puts her hand around and began to shout. “DIIIMWIIIT!!!! Where are you???”

I blinked few times before I came back to my senses. I felt so numb right when the whole ruckus started that I wasn’t able to move. Now Hyu Me was searching for me. I desperately want to go down and rush to her but I couldn’t move. I couldn’t believe what just happened. Suddenly, the younger brother wasn’t dead anymore and Milady Viena has chosen him… Kim Hyu Me has chosen me.

I didn’t notice my body was slowly inching forward. The leaves of the mango tree rustled at my sudden movement. When she caught the sound, she looked up and our eyes met. We were probably still for the whole five seconds and then she went to the foot of the tree, not breaking our eye contact. “Are you just going to stay up there?” She asked in a normal voice like nothing happened a minute ago.

“Maybe.” It was all I could answer. My tongue hasn’t entirely recovered yet.

She shrugs and suddenly started to climb up. “Yah, are you crazy?” I expressed. My body finally geared up. I went down as fast as I could. I took both of her wrists to stop her.

 Hyu Me softly tugged her wrist and held my hand. She entwines her fingers between mine just like what I did to her before. “Hmm, it doesn’t feel awkward anymore.” She commented.  “Shall we?”

We walked together in silence, meeting the shining light of the silver moon. My eyes turned to her expressionless face and felt warmth spreading inside me. “You’re mad at me aren’t you?” I asked in a hushed tone.

She stopped walking and went in front of me. Both of her hands were suddenly wrapped around my neck. She pulls me down until our eyes are at the same level. Our faces were close once again but it didn’t seem to matter to her. “Listen to me. Never compare yourself to your brother, ignore people who underestimate you and…Never ever lose against anyone else but me. You said there is a girl from this University that you want to offer a flower with, correct? You still have time, go and get her dimwit.”

Babo Hyu Me. She tries to push me so that I can go, but I didn’t budge. Instead, I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer to me. Our noses touched and I can see her surprised expression. She pulls her head back and at the same time, my right hand shot up and touched her cheek. “M-Minho, what are you d-doing?”

Molla. I don’t know what I’m doing. All I know is I want her close. I want to touch the only person who sticks with me no matter what happens. My thumb caresses her blushing cheek as I stared down at her. I can feel the words finally forming, going up to my throat, through my mouth and finally…

“GAME OVER”

“Huh? Game over? What?” Hyu Me was confused and it was understandable. She wasn’t there when the director and staffs challenged me. I heard the gasps from the camera men; shocked at what I said.

“Game over,” I repeated. I closed the space between Hyu Me and me by fully hugging her. I buried my face on her hair; accepting my defeat. ”Game over…” I muttered. I had to give up. No matter how much I force myself to stop my feelings for her; I’ll still end up falling for her.

Yes, Kim Hyu Me has deniably and unknowingly captured me. And the whole Korea will be knowing it as soon as this will be broadcasted..

“Game over what???” Hyu Me whined innocently. She taps my head, “What about the girl---”

“There is no girl Hyu Me. I was just messing up with you.” I said, cutting her off; still not letting go of her. “There no other girl”

It’s only you… it has always been you.

---&---

Minseuk strolls silently on the quiet surrounding of Seoul University. Today is a national holiday so there were no classes. Being a student leader wasn’t really easy, Minseuk has to check the whole school and see if there is something he can work on.

He paused when he reached a small broom shed. Three weeks ago, he would’ve considered destroying this place but as he feels the wooden door, he couldn’t help but remember about her.

This is where we first met. Minseuk thought to himself. It has been a week since the Milady Viena’s ball happened but this handsome young man can not get over of what happened. His hand traces the doorknob before he fully holds it.

“Are you going to clean or something?”

Minseuk stops as he hears the familiar voice. His head slowly turns and he saw her.

Kim Hyu Me

She’s in her normal clothes and it means she’s wearing baggy pants and T-shirt. Her hair was fixed in a tight ponytail. Just the way Minseuk first met her. It was almost like de javu except that now, there were absolutely no cameras following them.

“Oppa, I finally know what happened next to Sir Montaque and Milady Viena, Minho told me the rest of it.” She said with a small smile. “Should I continue the story?”

Minseuk nodded silently. Hyu Me breathes deeply, “It’s not in a poem way though, I didn’t have the time to memorize it.”

Milady Viena, excited and happy of Sir Montaque’s confession accepts the flower. Right when she touched the stem, a part of Milady Viena’s bracelet-covered wrist was exposed. And then with two eyes, Sir Montaque saw scars forming two words…

THE MOON

Montaque remembered his brother’s scars saying: PROMISE UNDER… it turned out the whole phrase says: PROMISE UNDER THE MOON. The message brings him back when his brother and he swore under the moon to become rich young men.

It was his younger brother’s penmanship! He forcefully wrote it down to Milady Viena’s hand with something sharp, while she stabs him again and again with one hand. The younger brother did not fight back against her knowing that if he does, Viena would get hurt. He can’t let that happen because no matter how cruel Viena is, he still loves her. When Viena left him drawing out his last breath; his whole body drenched with his own blood, the younger brother drew his own scars.

And then he died.

The message was a death note made by the younger brother before he died to warn Sir Montaque of the evil plans of Milady Viena. The truth is she tried to seduce both brothers so that she can gain their riches. But then the smart young brother has seen this and confronted her. As he turns around, Milady Viena drew out her knife to silence him.

He had finally found the culprit!

It was Viena… the woman he deeply loves.

In rage, confusion and madness, he had let Milady Viena rot inside the jail. His heartaches never ceased even when he became old. His brother died and his love has betrayed him. Although the woman did such treachery, he still can’t stop loving him…

He still wants her to accept him…

“And so Sir Montaque made the flower as the school’s symbol. A sign of his love… the end.”

“A tragic story.” Minseuk said in daze. Hyu Me agrees she opens her bag and took out something. It was Milady’s flower, the one that Minseuk offered to her. Both of them can see that some of the petals were starting to rot. They both stared at the flower that linked both of their fates. “I don’t want to be like Milady Viena. I can’t do that to your younger brother. I don’t want to turn him down.”

“Otteoke? Just like what you said, you are dating him and three of his friends” Minseuk said as he studies her face.

“I know. But I badly need this oppa, and believe me or not, I didn’t know I’d be dating the four of them. I was so stupid not to read the contract before signing it.” She sighs and leans on the wall. “I’m a bad person but I really do care for Minho.”

Minseuk takes the flower from her hand and smiled down at her accepting the fact that Hyu Me has declined his offer. “My brother is lucky to meet you. No wonder he likes you.”

She frowns, “Minho doesn’t like me!”

She’s clueless as always. Minseuk thought “What if he’ll like you Hyu Me?”

“He shouldn’t.” For the first time, Minseuk saw the fear Hyu Me has been hiding to herself. The fear of what might happen if she sticks in the show.

“Yah! Kim Hyu Me,” we both looked behind us and found Minho crossing his arms. “After everything you said last week, you’re still here with my hyung?”

Hyu Me smiles at Minseuk signalling to keep everything they talked about as a secret. “I was just saying my goodbye to oppa.”

Minho joins the two of them after that. “Go away Hyu Me, I need to talk to my hyung.” Minho said in a light manner. Minseuk can see the big improvement to his dongsaeng. He’s much more confident now.

Hyu Me rolls her eyes “Stop ordering me dimwit.”

“Oh yeah?” Minho smirks and neared his lips to Hyu Me’s ear, “Do you want me to tell hyung what we did after we walked out?”

Upon hearing his threat, Hyu Me jumps and said her goodbye to Minseuk, “goodbye oppa.” She left the building at once not giving Minho the time to explain how he hugged her that night.

And so now the Choi Brothers are alone just like before. Although this is the case, the feeling is different now. There was no sense of minority from Minho or superiority from Minseuk anymore. The respect is still there but the feeling of equality is there too.

“I’ll make this short,” Minho started, “Please hyung, stay away from Hyu Me.”

“We’re just friends my dongsaeng, there’s no need to worry.” Minseuk explains but Minho shakes her head.

“That doesn’t mean you don’t like her. Right hyung?”

Minho was right and his brother can not deny this. Indeed, I need to stay away… Sir Montaque stops here. The older brother thought. But before that, I must do something. “I understand. Minho, remember the part where the younger brother wrote a deathnote in the poem?”

Minho nodded and so his brother continues…

“No matter how kind Hyu Me is, you can’t fall for her. Not when you’re in this show. She’s not real Minho.”

Minho’s point of View (again :))

“Hyu Me-ah,”

“Hmm?”

“Neon…  chowahe.”

“I like you too oppa.”

“Hyu Me,” I faced her and held both of her hands. “That’s not what I meant by saying I like you.”

“You can’t like me oppa. Not in this show… I’m not good for you… I’m not real.”

You don’t know how real you sound to me right now. “I was just kidding Hyu Me, aigoo you’re so full of yourself.”

Hyu Me’s face flooded with relief. She laughed, “Yeah, I am soooo full of myself.”

She continues to walk as I stare at her.

Mhiane hyung, I’ll just have to discard your deathnote. I can’t like her when I’m in this show and it’s quite obvious she doesn’t like me the way I want to.

Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to play against her again and this time…

I’ll make sure it’s game over for her as well.

End! Minho's part...done! I wonder who's the next guy? Who do you want???

Hmm...here's the thing. I have thought of another story but It's way different from this story. I guess it's darker and a lot more serious. (It's actually inspired by Big bang's song Monster) Should I write it down? i want to hear your opinion before I write it down O.o

Anyway, Thanks to the new subscribers, hanmin, SHINEE_locket, KPOPLOVERZ21 and to my true to life bestfriend hazel_cutieonew!

Thanks for the inspiring comments

And silent readers... SARANGHAe! :)

It would probably take time for the next chapter due to my studies but I'll definitely write. Take care everyone! Good luck with our lives!

P.S. for the previous question,yeah I made the whole Milady viena up. Just a little spice for the story!