[A/N: This one's long because it's presented in the most accurate way possible I thought of. I hope you enjoy this prequel because I think, in my own preference, it's creatively written. Do you guys know The Kirishima Thing movie? It's a Japanese film--if you've watched that, you'll appreciate this prequel even more. =) I can only leave you with this: This prequel is supposed to make you look forward to the Sequel of Scared.]

 

 

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Seohyun’s POV

 

Sjh28:   It was a long day for me.

Ohshn:  Really? I bet school was boring? :)

Sjh28:   When was school last boring for me? I like school. I always do.

Ohshn: then why did it seem so long? For me, each day is just equal—24 hours a day, every single day.

Sjh28:   I tried new pastry recipes today. It took forever for me to perfect a dozen of cookies!

Ohshn:  You’re like the only Ms. Baker I know, forever must be five minutes!

Sjh28:   That’s exaggeration. How about you? How was your day?

Ohshn:  Long enough.

Sjh28:   Long enough…?

Ohshn is typing…

 

“Seohyun-ah!” My best friend almost made me jump. She stood behind me and started reading the chatbox. “That boy again?” She smirked at me then straightened up. “I thought you like that guy from the upperclass?”

“He’s taken.” Seohyun said. “Besides, there’s no possibly way for me to get to know him.”

“Hmm?”

“I might as well give up on him.” Then I looked at the chatbox again.

Ohshn:  I think 24 hrs is long enough to think of you.

I smiled, but then I tried to hide it from my ever spirited best friend, and replied: How long will it take before I finally meet you?

Then he’s suddenly offline. I frowned a little. This Ohshn has been my chat mate for a very long time now.  I badly wanted to meet him, to get to know him, but he said he’s not yet ready. And that takes leaving me hanging on a chat box.

Yoona patted my back, “You know what, I think he knows.” I looked at her as she added, “That you’re still not over that Luhan.”

“I am not into Luhan in the first place?” I innocently refuted her statement.

“Who are you kidding? I am your b-e-s-t-f-r-e-a-k-i-n-g-l-y-a-w-e-s-o-m-e friend.” Yoona said. “That’s hard to spell, by the way.” I chuckled.

“Luhan will never know me.” I sighed.

“But will you ever know that Oh Sehun in person?” Yoona threw back at me. I fell silent.

 

The next day came—just a typical school day. I walked towards my locker carrying few of my books. This school is so big—it has more than a thousand of students. For four years, I have only liked one person. He was not one of the kingkas. He’s just naturally smart and that made him popular. He’s not one of the bad guys—the usually attractive ones. He’s just simple. I don’t know how he got into me, but all girls have that one, unnoticeable crush. And he was mine. Except that he belongs to Tiffany Hwang—the school’s queenka. She’s not one of those mean girls—well, in a scale of 10 as the highest, she’s probably scaled as 1. She’s one of the mean girls, but she’s the least mean one.

Luhan and Tiffany are probably the perfect couple in this school.

This thought clouded my head: How in this big school have I noticed Luhan?

Then in a blink of an eye, I saw Tiffany pass by beside me. I stopped on my tracks in a sudden and looked at her. As far as I was concerned, I saw tears in her eyes. She’s already crying but she still looked so perfect. She was so flawless. She’s explicitly beautiful—a goddess, in my own preference.

I stood there, just wondering to myself: Why am I not Tiffany?

Just when I decided to stop searching for answers that will not come from Tiffany’s retreating figure, I know I have to focus on what’s ahead and go on—like to my next class.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Someone exclaimed as he bumped into me. I quickly bent down to pick up my books and he was kind enough to help me. But then I noticed that wrist watch—I know that very well. I always see it when I daydream about him in our history class. I couldn’t help but feel my heart beating twice as fast—Yoona was right. Maybe I’m still, and will always be, into Luhan. Without noticing, he already finished picking up my things and he handed it to me. All I could do was look at him with awe, and accept my stuffs. He just bowed and left—towards Tiffany’s direction.

I stood there, again, running late for my class, looking at Luhan’s figure disappearing in the crowded campus.

 

Lunch came and I sat there waiting for Yoona on our usual spot in the cafeteria. I was reading one of my favourite pocketbooks. Yoona was strangely late. You know that girl? She’d always be running. She’s not just a happy person, she’s a lively one. I glanced at my watch, and it seems that maybe Yoona just forgot to tell me she has lunch affairs with study groups or club meetings.

I sighed to myself and saw Tiffany coming. I watched her where she was going—I was almost sure she was going to sit with Luhan. This cafeteria is not just a canteen, it’s like a classroom. Students have self-organized themselves to seating arrangements. This place has distinct tables for the cool ones, the nerds, the kingkas and the queenkas, the regular students, the high-achievers, the athletes, the dancers, the singers, the writers, and towards the farther corner of the cafeteria is the place for the ‘losers’. And I know just where to sit—I sit with Yoona here with the regular students. Regular students are the you-exist-but-no-one-knows students. At least the losers are known—people know they are losers. They are bully-magnets. But I don’t pay attention to them—to any of the tables other than Luhan’s.

But strangely too, this lunch, Tiffany sat with her group of friends.

Nope, not with Luhan.

A few minutes passed by, and Yoona came. She looked frantically not okay. “I’m okay.” She said as if she knew what I was about to ask. There must be something that came up with her study groups or club meeting.

I just nodded. She looked so tired—it seems that she just ran from the other side of the campus to this cafeteria. This is my best friend—Im Yoona. And I know she’d run miles in a few seconds just to get to where I am.

 

History class—the most boring class where I’m the only one awake together with Luhan. I’m only awake because I never let a single movement pass. I’m basically awake because I’m in the same class as him. The bell rang and so the class was dismissed in a split of seconds… but as soon as Luhan left, I saw a book on his desk.

Without any hesitation, anymore, I took it and ran after him. I walked there behind him—suddenly all the hesitations filled my heart. How will I give his book back to him? What will I say?

I reached out to tap his shoulder from behind, I was literally just a foot away from him, but it was like my arm wasn’t long enough to reach him. He was just in front of me. But it still felt like we’re worlds apart. My heart ached for a while there—in a single moment, I just knew, this feeling I’ve felt for Luhan will be unrequited forever.

But then Luhan, again, was the smartest person on earth. He suddenly stopped walking, so as the beating of my heart. He was there, he stood there and turned around. He was facing me. and I know, he just knew, he left his book.

My arm automatically sprung up and handed him his book. He smiled a little.

“Thanks.” He looked perfectly handsome when he said that. “Are we from the same class?” He asked. I just nodded. “Thanks.” He smiled a little and waved the book. And then again, I stood there, frozen on my spot, watching his back walk away from me.

That question was still the perfect melody in my head even if it was already the sixth time he asked me the same question.

Yes, whenever I talk to him, he’d ask this.

He never really remembers me in any way.

 

Sjh28:   How do guys remember a girl?

Ohshn:  what kind of question is that?

Sjh28:   A question coming from my heart…

It took a few seconds before he replied.

Ohshn:  You like someone, don’t you?

Sjh28:   no one doesn’t like nobody.

Ohshn:  A guy remembers few things and few people but the special ones linger in their memory.

Sjh28:   good answer but it did not quite answer my question…

Ohshn:  I think your question should say, “how do I make a guy remember me?”

Sjh28:   bingo. You know what, I feel like you know me more than anyone else.

Ohshn:  I do know you.

Sjh28:   if that’s the case, I need your help. Answer your revised version of my question…

Ohshn:  give him something significant—something worth remembering. Not a book. Not his book.

Sjh28:   what???

Ohshn:  I mean bake him one of your cookies! Give it to him. He’ll surely remember you after that.

Sjh28:   you think so? But I’m not even sure if they taste wonderful…

Ohshn:  ok, here’s the catch. I’ll help you with this one.

Sjh28:   really? You’re such a good friend!!!

Ohshn:  I am! So tomorrow, you are going to let me taste sample of your baked cookies. I’ll let you know if the taste is worth remembering for a guy.

Sjh28:   but how will I give it to you?

Ohshn:  I’ll send you my address later.

Sjh28:   thank you so much ^__^

Ohshn:  No problem. Don’t burn them!

Sjh28:   Prom is coming…

Ohshn:  Are you coming?

Sjh28:   it only happens once—in our entire lives… just one. What do you think?

Ohshn:  I think you should come…

Sjh28:   I’m not sure of that.

Ohshn:  Come with me. Please?

For a few seconds, I just stared at my laptop screen. Trying to read his reply over and over again. I haven’t seen this Oh Sehun—we’re only cyberfriends! Chat mates!

But my fingers were disobeying my thoughts.

Sjh28:   I’ll come in red dress.

Ohshn:  so I’ll see you?

Sjh28:   but I’ll send you the cookies first. ke ^__^

 

I went to school with a smile on my face. After today, one of these days, I’ll let Luhan know about myself. Make sure he’ll remember me—make sure he won’t forget we’re from the same class. Make myself known. I am done hiding behind my own heart. I’m over watching him from the sidelines.

I was holding this box of cookies, when I saw Yoona running towards me. She looked worried. Tears covered her doe-shaped eyes.

“What happened?” I asked her.

“Please, Seohyun. Don’t listen to what others will say.” She was crying. But I still don’t get it. “I won’t do anything to hurt you. but I’ve been carrying this load for a while now. But please—listen to me—“

Then a kingka bumped my shoulder. I glared at him because my best friend is crying—we’re having a sentimental moment here and he has no right to bump into me. The hallway is too wide for him to walk on!

But he wasn’t looking at me, this kingka is looking at Yoona.

“So you’re the reason why Tiffany has been crying since yesterday?” The kingka said. “Don’t you know me? I’m—“

“We don’t care who you are! Can you please leave my friend alone? Can’t you see we’re talking?!” I suddenly said.

Then I received a slap—from Tiffany Hwang herself. She wasn’t crying. She looked perfectly fine!

“Pass that to your best friend. She deserves that.” She said looking at me like I’m a piece of trash.

“W-what is she saying?” I asked Yoona. She just shook her head.

“That friend of yours stole Luhan from me! You get that? He cheated on me because of her!!!” Tiffany then burst again into tears.

But she wasn’t alone in that sense.

I ran. I ran so far until I reached a few blocks away from school. I left school and hated it like I never did before. I stopped and cried my heart out.

How can some love end before they even start? How can some love not be given a chance?

 

That night, I received a call from an unknown number but I didn’t know until I picked up the call.

“Yoboseyo?”

The person from the other line cleared his throat—he was a guy.

“Hello? Who’s this?” I asked and suddenly scared.

“I-it’s me. I’m Oh Sehun.” He said. I didn’t know this moment would come—for me to have no one to talk to, and finally, hear his voice. “I got your number from your friend… Im Yoona-shi.”

“W-why did you call?”

“I saw what happened at school.”

“You’re from my school?”

“Yes. I saw… you.” he said. “Listen, I’m sorry if I called you just like this. I wanted to let you know I—I tried to talk to you at school. I have always tried to. I wanted to comfort you earlier, but I don’t know…” He sighed, I could hear it. “I couldn’t man up. I just… always end up watching you from the sidelines. And I know, and I see, how you look at Luhan-hyu—Luhan-shi.” He said.

“Y-you see me?”

“In a crowded place, yes. In a busy campus, yes. Seohyun-shi, I always look at you.”

I cleared my throat, and sniffed. “T-that’s strange. I haven’t seen anyone looking at me at school. Practically, no one knows me other than Yoona, I guess?”

“I—I just called to tell you Yoona’s a good friend.”

“She’s my best friend.”

“I hope everything that happened today won’t make you too upset and miss out on tomorrow night’s prom.”

“I’ll be there.” I chuckled. “At least I know someone’s actually knows me at school.” I tried to lift up the mood. “Can you do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Please, when you see me, talk to me. I want to meet you, and thank you personally.” I said. He agreed and I hung up. Life must go on. Luhan is just that… infatuation. Right? Well, I can keep on trying to convince myself that he was.

 

I was nervous during the prom night… I came late. I made my way inside the venue, but as soon as I entered the hall—I saw Yoona dancing with Luhan.

And that’s pretty much the end of my night. I thought I can handle it, but obviously… I couldn’t. just like what happened before, I ran away—I ran away as fast as I could, away from reality.

Yoona, then, found me sitting on a bench in the school’s basketball court. I was sitting alone and just dried my tears. Then she suddenly kneeled in front of me which surprised me a lot. “I’m sorry, Seohyun-ah.” She sighed and her tears flowed through her cheeks. “Jeongmal mianhae.” She sobbed.

I couldn’t help but shed tears too. But she’s my best friend. I patted her back and slowly embraced her, “It’s okay. I was just surprised.  Seeing you there with Luhan, you looked perfect together. It hurts, Yoona… But you know me, I can always, always understand.”

But all I received was Yoona’s mischievous laugh, “Can you please stop being so melodramatic?” My eyebrows furrowed. “That incident with Tiffany, I feel sorry for your cheek but I was glad you did not pass on that slap to me.” we both chuckled. “Because Seohyun-ah—that was just a false rumor. A hilarious and stupid one, by the way.”

“You mean…?”

“I don’t know Luhan! I don’t know him, and I don’t care about him.”

“B-but…”

“It was just a rumor. Luhan has a picture of me with him because it was misplaced by our club—he took over our club and he was organizing the profiles of the members—in fact, he even returned the photo to me. he also talked to me, and told me to ignore those rumors. Well, I tried. But then it reached you, and—“

“And I did not even give you the chance to explain… oh, God.” I cursed myself. “I’m sorry, Yoona, I’m so sorry.” I hugged her and she embraced me tighter. “But tell me, why are you wearing red dress too?” I joked.

“You don’t have to worry about it. and this? I designed it, Seohyun-ah… and,” She frowned. “I’m going to Paris soon, and pursue fashion designing.”

“What—?”

“but right now, you have to go back there, inside, and meet him. Luhan’s all yours.”

“What—what kind of joke is that?” I tried to fake a laugh, but then I suddenly saw Luhan behind Yoona. He just came… he looked at me, and I looked back. The night I have waited for so long finally came.

Before Yoona left, she whispered to my ear, “I gave that box of cookies you baked on the address you told me about. Luhan liked the cookies, and he said he was looking for the one who baked it. That was the only thing that happened inside.”

As Yoona left, I looked at Luhan… his eyes sparkled. He stepped closer to me and took my hand.

I used to be that girl watching him from the sidelines, but now he’s looking at me too.

 

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Luhan’s POV

 

When I got home, I received the package Dad sent for Mom—her medications. Just recently, Dad has been in-touched with me. I lost him when Mom returned—and he was the only family I acknowledged since then. When he left me with Mom, he became successful in life but I knew he never forgot about me. When Mom left him for Sehun’s father, he started moving on towards his dreams and now look at him, he’s a successful businessman. Life goes on even when the people stops playing their part in it.

Problem is I never really forgave Mom. I couldn’t face her. I don’t want her anymore in my life. I would have rather grown with Dad alone, than spend the last of her days with my anguish. If she was supposed to be with my life, she should have been then from the start. She shouldn’t have left then return like that.

I was supposed to knock on Sehun’s door to give him Mom’s meds but it was slightly open. He was busy. My half-brother was always busy alone. He’s an aspiring dancer, he works as a driver at night substituting his hardworking father. I heard he wants to pay for his own training fees for dancing. That made me ask him, every time Mom’s meds are here, to deliver them by himself. I watched him type something—he wasn’t really doing anything other than chatting someone. I just barged inside and then he quickly shut the laptop off. It struck me a little—was he hiding something or who was that person he was chatting with? Sehun’s a grown man. There must be someone that he likes. But I could only careless—we don’t really talk a lot other than issues with our mom.

He may have the love of his life, but mine’s completely complicated as crap.

 

A slap on the right cheek—this was what I got as soon as I reached school the next day. Tiffany was crying, Sunny was just watching her be miserably in front of a crowd. She’s Tiffany Hwang—of course whatever she does will make a crowd. Unfortunately, she was breaking up with me and revealing everything I never had a say on to the whole world.

“H-how can you do this? Huh?” Tiffany sobbed. I have loved Tiffany so much—she was my first love and will always be. No one and nothing could ever change that fact. But the truth is, I’m tired sharing the limelight with her—I don’t need that limelight. She’s the queenka of the school, and that drags me along to whatever the world thinks of her. I don’t want that kind of life I’m living just because of I’m in love with her—she’s too popular for my own good. She’s too famous, I’m afraid maybe one day her ‘followers’ might kill me if I did something against her will.

Tiffany’s kind. But the life she has isn’t. It’s not compatible with mine.

Was there ever a time when you know you love the person so much but there’s just something wrong?

“Who is Im Yoona?” Tiffany asked, with tears in her eyes. Who is she? A girl from the org I was assigned to take over. I was fixing the log of this one club and I saw her photo misplaced in one of the pages of my notebook. I have yet to return that photo to the club. But so far, it has been useful as a bookmark. But why is Tiffany asking that? “What makes her so good, so better than me?” Then she broke down. Sunny had to stop watching her best friend be a misery in front of everyone.

I was the one who’s suffering here. Not Tiffany. People suddenly started murmuring. And I know they were talking about me.

“Tiffany, hold on.” I stopped her from walking away with Sunny. Her puffy eyes hurt me—I wanted to end it with her. But I was always thinking breaking up with her might be too soon, I can always give her a chance to change. But this time, she just got first. “Please, don’t misunderstand and do something that’s out of place—“

“Luhan-shi, stop making her life miserable. That Yoona will surely get something, everyone heard her name already.” Sunny answered for Tiffany. “Stop protecting that girl, in front of my best friend.”

Tiffany walked away with Sunny. What was that? What just happened? I did not even have the chance explain myself! Am I this weak?

I have to tell it to Tiffany. She has to know the truth! I don’t know that Im Yoona—people gossip! And they aren’t always true! I ran after her, the hallway’s getting too crowded and I’m afraid I might lose her. I have to make her understand before we really break up.

But then a girl was standing in the middle of the hallway, I was rushing after Tiffany and mistakenly bumped to her.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” I said. I saw her just staring at me—some girls I did not even know exist. There are so many girls out there that I cannot pay attention to anyone else, but Tiffany. And how this girl looked at me? That’s always how the girls look at me, so I just quickly helped her pick up her things and quickly run after Tiffany again. But when I reached Tiffany, the kingka of the school already blocked my path. I just had to stop. These kingkas never bully me, they respect me. But I know, they respect Tiffany more.

 

The day went on. Gossips were already everywhere—that I cheated on Tiffany because of this Yoona I don’t even know personally! I don’t want to damage a person like this. This day can’t go on like this. As soon as the bell rang for lunch, I made my way to see Tiffany. But Sunny just had to stop me when I saw Tiffany entered a girl’s bathroom. “Stop it Luhan-shi. That broken heart of hers cannot be fix by ‘sorry’ and ‘let me explain’ phrases.” I was left with no words. “Go now.” I hesitated on walking away, but then I had to.

Especially when there’s another person I have to explain to.

Just my luck—I saw Im Yoona-shi walking along the hallway. People were murmuring and she was clueless. When the a group of girls were already out of sight, I dragged her to the corner of the hallway were nobody could see us.

“Y-you’re Im Yoona, right?” I said, looking around if anyone was listening. I think it would be better if someone actually does so the truth will come out.

“N-neh.” She stuttered.

“Listen, I want to apologize for that.” I said, but she looked clueless. “There’s this thing between Tiffany and I. It’s a misunderstanding. So please, don’t let what other people say get into you.”

She still looked so dazed. “Luhan-shi…” Yes she looked beautiful. If I knew her before, I would have liked her and not Tiffany. But this compliment I have for Yoona is nothing compared to what I feel for Tiffany. Or what I used to, in that case.

“And here,” I took her photo from my book. “It got mixed with my stuffs for your organization. I forgot to give it back to you.” I handed it to her and she accepted it. “It was ‘awkward’ meeting you like this, but I hope you won’t listen to what others say about you.”

“T-thank you.” She bowed and soon, I left her.

 

History class was suddenly so boring. I still had to get to Tiffany before more blasts comes out. As soon as the bell rang, I left the classroom. Outside the classroom, I saw a glimpse of Sehun. But my thought was still clouded by Tiffany and I know Sehun doesn’t want me talking to him at school. He doesn’t want me to acknowledge that we’re blood-related. As I walked, I realized he did not go home last night. And his father was so upset this morning.

I stopped on my tracks and turned around to finally, even just for once, talk to Sehun in public. As a brother, in front of everyone.

But then a girl was blocking my way, I was about to walk away but she suddenly handed me a book—my book in history. I forgot about it and left it on my desk.

“Thanks.” I simply said and put up a small smile. I glanced at Sehun who was a few meters behind her, he just looked at me. but he wasn’t exactly looking at me—he was looking at the girl I was talking to. “Are we from the same class?” I asked her. If Sehun likes her, then I can help him out. The girl nodded. I looked at Sehun’s direction once again, but he wasn’t there anymore. “Thanks.” I told the girl once again and walked away. I have to look for Tiffany.

But Tiffany doesn’t want to talk to me.

 

Then again, at school, Tiffany finally caused a commotion—a blast. Where the world saw what happened to Yoona and her friend. That moment—everyone was there—at least each of ‘everyone’. The kingkas, the queenkas, the regular ones, the losers, the athletes—everyone. The attention was there on the regular students like Yoona and her friend, who unfortunately received Tiffany’s slap, and the losers were watching from afar. I athletes were standing on my right—and those gossipers who kept on murmuring on my left. I saw Sehun across my direction, but then I saw him running after that friend of Yoona—she looked oddly familiar though. Have I met her before? There are too many students in this school, I can hardly remember.

I saw Yoona picked a box dropped by her friend when she started running. Yoona was crying—as much as I felt responsible for her tears, I did not have the urge to comfort her. Tiffany’s a nice person. But when she’s mad, she becomes a devil in disguise.

Yoona left the scene, I know she was embarrassed. But I did not follow her to burden her more. People will just think I’m really into her. I wish I am so the rumors will die down. But apparently, I’m not that into her.

I shoved Tiffany to face me. People were shocked.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked her—letting all the students hear me. I don’t usually speak out—this isn’t me. But this time, I have to.

She just scoffed at me.

“I already asked you not to put up a blast against the innocent ones--!”

“You’re a cheater, and she made you a cheater—she deserves that!” Tiffany defended herself. The kingka stepped up but Tiffany pushed him back, telling she can handle me. “Now what? Shouldn’t you be running after her?”

“Why? Why will I run after her? She doesn’t need my help, Tiffany. It’s you—you need my help.” Tiffany did not get what I was saying. I continued, making sure my voice was audible, “You need my help to move on, and be mature.”

“You never really loved me, did you?” Tiffany’s eyes were teary once again.

“I did, Tiffany. I really did.” I looked around. “But then, seeing what you’re doing? I guess it’s you who never did love me, because if you really do, you won’t believe what anyone else, outside our relationship, would say—with or against me. I’m done, Tiffany.” I stepped back, “I’m done.”

Then I walked away and made my way through a vast of audience.

I fashionably exited.

 

It was my first time to cut classes. I needed time on my own—but I found myself on the lobby of the hospital. I just stared at the door in front of me while I sat—it was Mom’s room. but I did not dare to enter. Few hours have passed and I just glanced at the window of her room—saw her body and knowing her heart still beats, it’s already enough. When I reached home, I saw a box of cookies in front of the door. I took it inside and did not see any note written. But when I took a bite of the cookie, I just knew it was made with love.

And swore to myself that I will find the mystery girl who gave it.

Sehun came home and saw me eating the cookies. I was delighted. Years I haven’t spoken to him--casually, I finally came to senses, and asked, “You know, we’re brothers right?” He just nodded. “Can you help me find the girl who left this in the front yard?”

Sehun could not answer at first. “The one who put it there?”

“Yes.” I nodded.

“You’ll find her in a red dress tomorrow night at the prom.” That was the only thing he said. Seems like he knows the girl, or saw her.

 

I was still upset with everything that happened in the past few days, but tonight. I’m going to make a huge step. Today’s the day I’m going to move on from Tiffany. And live a better life.

Then the night came… It was prom that night…

Under the spotlight, in the center of the dance floor, there I saw the girl of my dreams. Im Yoona, in red dress. I slowly approached her, and her eyes sparkled under the beam of the lights. She glowed like a goddess. She was extremely beautiful.

I took her hand and asked her for a dance… I glanced around to thank Sehun, but I saw him following, running after a girl in a red dress as well.

I looked back at Yoona, she smiled at me. But with curiosity, I asked her, “Were you the one who left the box of cookies in front of my house?”

She chuckled, “Yes. Did you like it?” I nodded. “I did a favour for my friend that day. She wanted to leave the box as a thank you gift to a man named Oh Sehun. Is it you?”

I stopped dancing with her. She looked surprised. But so was I.

“Wait, aren’t you Oh Sehun?” But then she chuckled at her own question.

“N-no. I’m Luhan. You mean—that box of cookies was for my brother, Oh Sehun?” She nodded. “I’m so stupid—“

“What’s going on?” She asked.

“It doesn’t matter—tell me. Tell me you baked it.” I held her arms but she stepped back. “You—you didn’t?”

“I told, I was only doing a favor to put that box in front of your house. My best friend baked it. It was from her. It was for Sehun.” Yoona looked around, “She should be here anytime soon.”

I thought deeper and sighed. “And she’d be wearing red dress?” Yoona nodded. And that’s the moment I ran after Sehun and left the dance floor. When I got outside the venue, I already lost Sehun. So there’s a girl he likes? Or a girl that likes him back and I mistakenly ate that box of cookies that were meant for him?

But why did he let me meet that girl tonight?

I tried searching—and finally saw two figures of ladies, both red dressed, in a distance. I slowly walked, made sure I wouldn’t disturb whatever it is they were talking about.

My heart was a playground. Fate always plays with it.

But when I saw that lady in red dress Yoona was with, that beautiful woman I never laid my eyes on years ago… my life changed. I just knew, that moment, it was her for me. The only one for me.

I studied her features, and realized I know her, but I never really paid attention to her. I was too blinded by Tiffany. Because of that, I became that guy who never looked at anyone on the sidelines, at least, that’s how I used to be. But this girl, this lady, will become my woman.

I swear to God, and I’ll never leave her.

I approached her, her eyes sparkled against the moonlit. And slowly, I reached for her hand.

 

 

---

 

Sehun’s POV

Sjh28:   It was a long day for me.

Ohshn:  Really? I bet school was boring? J

Sjh28:   When was school last boring for me? I like school. I always do.

Ohshn: then why did it seem so long? For me, each day is just equal—24 hours a day, every single day.

Sjh28:   I tried new pastry recipes today. It took forever for me to perfect a dozen of cookies!

Ohshn:  You’re like the only Ms. Baker I know, forever must be five minutes!

Sjh28:   That’s exaggeration. How about you? How was your day?

Ohshn:  Long enough.

Sjh28:   Long enough…?

 

I stared at the screen of my laptop. I don’t know how to say it—I don’t know how to tell her. I’ve been this secret admirer at school—just keeping an eye on whatever Seo Joohyun does at school. She’s not too noticeable. At school, she sits at the ‘regular’ students’ corner. It’s like I know her, in a crowd, in a big school, where nobody recognizes her. I’m betting my life nobody will remember her even after whatever she’ll do in life. She’s too ordinary. She’s too typical.

But to my eyes, she shines. She sparkles. She brightens up my day. Every single boring day of my loser life.

She is its sole life. Its sole reason to continue living.

But without courage, this love will remain unrequited forever.

It will only take a few seconds for me to hint her something.

Ohshn:  I think 24 hrs is long enough to think of you.

But that was the exact time the door of my room opened—so as my laptop closed. I had to pretend I’m not doing anything. I had to leave Seohyun hanging there by a moment as my brother barged inside my room.

I was a bit annoyed—just when I found that spark of courage to tell her I like, even just in that tiny chatbox, I just lost the chance because of Luhan.

“What?!” I asked. But I felt guilty a second after. He was not doing anything wrong against. Never.

“I—I’m sorry. Did I disturb you?” He apologized. Luhan-hyung has a very calming voice. He always sounds so innocent. The two of us are very much different. He’s very soft-spoken. He’s well-disciplined. He’s perfect—just the way he is. But there’s only one thing that I hate about him.

I know, I just know—by watching Seohyun at school, she likes him. My half-brother has it all.

I turned my chair and looked at Luhan. I could only sigh.

My brother and I don’t really talk to each other. But we do when it comes to our mother.

“Can you take these meds for Mom?” He handed me a box of it. “I know you’ll be working tonight. Drive safely.” He said and left. Just recently, his father has been in contact with him again. And he started helping out our sick mother—for my father cannot provide what Luhan’s father can. It’s like everybody knows his father is a multimillionaire businessman now. It was part of the reasons why I don’t want to let the people know about me being Luhan’s half-brother. We’re worlds apart.

At night, I exchange places with my father who’s working as a cab driver. I badly wanted to enter a dance school, I wanted to train. So I’m saving up for it. I’m living for what I need and what I want at the same time—making it harder for me all the time.

I drove to the hospital and entered Mom’s room. She never really gets better. She’s stable—but sick. Why did Luhan ask me to bring her meds? It’s because he still loathes her for leaving him when he was a child. But deep inside, I know he cares for her, it’s just that he doesn’t want to admit nor acknowledge that emotion inside him. He may be cool and popular at school, but this guy has his own weaknesses.

He’s easily affected by little things—he’s sensitive. He’s weak. He’s emotional. That’s one of the reasons why Luhan and I are very much different—other than the popularity and wit. His relationship with Tiffany? It’s going to be thrown out of the window soon—why? Because Luhan-hyung doesn’t know how to fight. He loves Tiffany—but just recently, I found him holding a picture of Im Yoona. He loves Tiffany but he likes Yoona. He won’t break up with Tiffany because he’s scared.

I’m a loser at school. But I’m the kind of loser who perfectly knows everything. I’m the guy who watches people on the sidelines… I practically notice everything.

Including Seohyun’s constant glances at Luhan every lunch.

“Sehun-ah,” Mom said in her weak voice when I fixed her beddings in the hospital. I sat beside her bed and held her hand. I take care of Mom, unlike Luhan.

“Neh, umma?” I pacified her with a strong and smiling face.

“How’s your older brother?”

I sighed but wore a small smile, “We started talking—not casual converstations but when he asks me to bring your beds, he does.”

She laughed a little, “Well, that’s an improvement.” Then there was a few seconds of silence.

“Umma…” I said and she looked at me. “Why is he so mad at you?”

That night, I practically stayed with Mom. I was not able to leave her alone that night. She told me everything that I wanted to know.

When Mom was young, she was carefree—as what every teenager should be, she said. My mother was already with my father—they were planning their future together already. But then a mistake happened—when Mom decided to gave it all to my father, she slept with Luhan’s father instead, who, in return, is my father’s best friend in the past. She did not get into the details but she said it was a celebration night and everything made her regret until now.

But Luhan was an exemption. Because she conceived him, she had to marry Luhan’s father. She gave up her dreams—she had to be a young mother. On the other hand, Luhan’s father had to bury himself in defeat—forget the girl he truly loves and force himself to love Mom. Moreover, my father was left broken. He had to let go. But years passed, no one had moved on. The three of them cannot live the kind of life they are living. Mom still loved my father even after Luhan was born, she shed tears while telling this part. She loves Luhan so much, but Luhan’s father only asked one thing—to leave Luhan with him as Mom left to search for my father. My father tried reaching for his goals in life instead—trying to work on big companies but Mom said he always failed. It turns out Dad doesn’t need those fortunes, what he needed was for my Mom to be his once again. Luhan’s father took care of him very well. As Mom left, Luhan’s father had a better life. He became successful—until now he is.

I was born when Dad and Mom finally met once again. She conceived me, Oh Sehun… I was so young back then—I was happy, young as I was. But then I found out that I have a half-brother and did not understand things as I do now after Mom explained these things to me.

Mom was sick. She already knew that. Luhan’s father was kind—he stepped aside, and left for Luhan to spend the rest of his days with our Mom until, at least, before she leaves this earth. My heart felt pain… pain because I was slowly understanding Mom.

But pain? More because Luhan has the right to know these things.

He is my brother. Now I know why he feels so alone. Why he wants to be alone—but it’s because of the truth that was kept hidden for years. All he needs now is to open up his heart for Mom.

Mom kept on crying that I had to stay—nurses and doctors kept on checking on her. They said she became too stressed… probably because of sad thoughts as Luhan already slipped away from her hands.

 

My locker’s just a few meters away from Seohyun’s. I know the time she arrives at school. I know the books she carries back to her locker every morning. I’m not a stalker. I just watch her. Every person has that boy or girl that he or she likes—and every action of that person becomes relevant.

It’s a typical morning—a typical school day. I was already on my locker, fixing my things and that moment—I knew and felt Seohyun was already coming to hers. Of course, there she was…walking perfectly with her books. She’s just breath-taking. Before I knew it, I was already staring at her. Then she suddenly halted from walking.

That made her ten seconds late from reaching her locker like the usual.

I followed her gaze and saw her looking at Tiffany who just passed by her side—who probably passed by mine too but I was too distracted by Seohyun herself to even notice the queenka of the school. Her back was facing mine. But for me, she still looked perfect.

In two seconds, she’ll turn around to go to her locker… I just knew it.

One… two…

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” A small accident happened. And probably I’m just a witness to the girl of my dreams have her own dreams come true. Luhan bent down and helped Seohyun pick up her stuffs. I could see how Seohyun looked at Luhan—it’s the way she’ll never look at me.

She doesn’t see me. At all.

I wanted that moment to end right away. I was holding my breath all the while Luhan was helping her, and Seohyun was staring at him. They both straightened up, and there she went again… her back faced me… she watched Luhan disappeared in the crowded campus.

I let out a hinge of sigh. That short ten second-moment of Seohyun with Luhan made me lose more hope. I sighed again to myself and closed my locker. I fixed my backpack and walked to my next class. There, I passed by Seohyun… without her knowing it.

Without her knowing about my existence.

She only knows me by my username.

 

I was on my way to the cafeteria when I got blocked by the kingkas. Of course—this is my life. People bullied me at school. I did not say anything. I only waited for them to throw things at me, or just call me names. But it did not happen.

Tiffany came crying. Again, there’s basically no attention left for the people like me.

I sighed, relieved. I walked slowly—still in defeat with the thought of what happened earlier. Will I be watching from the sidelines forever? I need courage. I need it.

But then I heard Tiffany’s sobs as I stopped by my locker.

“Why is she crying?” The kingka leader asked. I kept my ears open. That’s basically my life at school—patching the differences between people.

“She dumped Luhan this morning.” One of Tiffany’s friends said. “Someone named Im Yoona caught Luhan’s attention recently.”

“Stop crying…” The kingka said. This guy obviously likes Tiffany. “Guys, you can go ahead of us to the cafeteria.”

“N-no. I’ll be fine. It’s alright, you can go too. Save seats for us. Just come with me, Sunny. I’ll fix myself first in the bathroom.” Tiffany said and I heard her walk away, so did the other kingkas.

I know Im Yoona—she’s Seohyun’s best friend. But if that’s the case…

No.

It can’t be.

I made my way towards the cafeteria, but then I saw Luhan talking to Im Yoona at the corner of the hallway. I stopped on my tracks. How can Luhan know Yoona but not Seohyun?

I retreated and just took the other way to the cafeteria.

As soon as I reached the canteen, I sat down where I belong. Then there, I saw Seohyun with a pocketbook. She was looking at Tiffany—then she glanced back and forth to Luhan. Later on, Yoona arrived.

This was going to be a tragic story for Seohyun and I wished I could change that.

If only I’d stop being that guy who watches her from a distance.

 

Before I went home, I saw Seohyun walking after a guy… surprise, surprise. It’s Luhan. I watched her extended her arm to tap Luhan, but she couldn’t. She’s scared. That’s me. That’s like me. Luhan smiled a little at her, said something and made Seohyun smile in return. She returned a book to Luhan in which he bowed as a symbol of gratitude. This is probably the sixth time I’ve seen her return one of Luhan’s things.

I wanted to be that guy.

I wanted to be Luhan-hyung.

 

Sjh28:   How do guys remember a girl?

Ohshn:  what kind of question is that?

Sjh28:   A question coming from my heart…

This is the tragic love story ever. It wasn’t just Seohyun’s. Mine too.

Ohshn:  You like someone, don’t you?

Sjh28:   no one doesn’t like nobody.

Ohshn:  A guy remembers few things and few people but the special ones linger in their memory.

Sjh28:   good answer but it did not quite answer my question…

Ohshn:  I think your question should say, “how do I make a guy remember me?”

Sjh28:   bingo. You know what, I feel like you know me more than anyone else.

Ohshn:  I do know you.

Sjh28:   if that’s the case, I need your help. Answer your revised version of my question…

Ohshn:  give him something significant—something worth remembering. Not a book. Not his book.

Sjh28:   what???

Ohshn:  I mean bake him one of your cookies! Give it to him. He’ll surely remember you after that.

Sjh28:   you think so? But I’m not even sure if they taste wonderful…

Ohshn:  ok, here’s the catch. I’ll help you with this one.

Sjh28:   really? You’re such a good friend!!!

Ohshn:  I am! So tomorrow, you are going to let me taste sample of your baked cookies. I’ll let you know if the taste is worth remembering for a guy.

Sjh28:   but how will I give it to you?

Ohshn:  I’ll send you my address later.

Sjh28:   thank you so much ^__^

Ohshn:  No problem. Don’t burn them!

Sjh28:   Prom is coming…

Ohshn:  Are you coming?

Sjh28:   it only happens once—in our entire lives… just one. What do you think?

Ohshn:  I think you should come…

Sjh28:   I’m not sure of that.

Ohshn:  Come with me. Please?

For a few seconds, I just stared at my laptop screen. Where did I buy such courage?

 

Sjh28:   I’ll come in red dress.

Ohshn:  so I’ll see you?

I replied with a smile plastered on my face.

Sjh28:   but I’ll send you the cookies first. ke ^__^

 

The next day came. I was ecstatic. So I didn’t care if there was a small ruckus at the other end of the hallway. Again, it was the kingkas and the queenkas. Sometimes, I’m thankful I’m one of those who sit with the losers. This time, I wanted to smile to myself.

I had to go to my next class—inevitably passing by that crowded part of the hall. But then I saw Yoona crying. Slowly, the kingkas, the queenkas and the gossipers left her alone standing. She bent down and picked up a box. She wiped her own tears and just walked away too.

For a second there, my heart cringed.

No, not because of Yoona.

But I swear to God, I feel like the news finally reached Seohyun. I tried to run after her, but I lost her. When I was about to return to the school, I saw Yoona on her way out, holding that box of cookies Seohyun was holding a while ago. That box of cookies.

Before Yoona could disappear from my sight, I quickly stopped her. She looked at me, but I have to man up now. “Can I have Seohyun-shi’s number? I need it. I really do. Please.”

“Who are you?” Yoona asked. “Why will I give it to you? You just saw my best friend walked out on an innocent friend…”

“I really need it, please.” I begged. But Yoona’s a nice person and she gave it to me.

“Pull a joke on her because of what happened and I’ll definitely get back on you.” She eyed me and started running after Seohyun once again, but then she stopped after a few steps realizing Seohyun’s gone, out of sight. I walked towards Yoona.

“She’ll come to herself.” I said. And the box of cookies caught my attention once again. Seohyun’s supposed to give that to me—to have it delivered. “By the way, what’s that box?” I innocently asked.

“I’m—she’s—wait. I won’t tell you. I don’t know you, we don’t know you.” She said and fixed her uniform. “I’m doing a huge favour for her, even if she’s mad at me.” Yoona said and made her way to my home address’ street.

 

Before I went home I dialled Seohyun’s number.

“Yoboseyo?” Her voice sounded so soothing. I cleared my throat to find courage, to man up.  “Hello? Who’s this?” She asked. I must be scaring her.

“I-it’s me. I’m Oh Sehun.” I said. I didn’t know this moment would come—for me to finally talk to her. “I got your number from your friend… Im Yoona-shi.”

“W-why did you call?”

“I saw what happened at school.” And the picture of what happened flashed in my head once again.

“You’re from my school?”

“Yes. I saw… you.” I said. “Listen, I’m sorry if I called you just like this. I wanted to let you know I—I tried to talk to you at school. I have always tried to. I wanted to comfort you earlier, but I don’t know…” I sighed, I hope she couldn’t hear it. “I couldn’t man up. I just… always end up watching you from the sidelines. And I know, and I see, how you look at Luhan-hyu—Luhan-shi.” I almost slipped.

“Y-you see me?”

“In a crowded place, yes. In a busy campus, yes. Seohyun-shi, I always look at you.”

She cleared , and sniffled. “T-that’s strange. I haven’t seen anyone looking at me at school. Practically, no one knows me other than Yoona, I guess?”

“I—I just called to tell you Yoona’s a good friend.” Because she gave Seohyun’s number to me.

“She’s my best friend.”

“I hope everything that happened today won’t make you too upset and miss out on tomorrow night’s prom.”

“I’ll be there.” She lightly chuckled. “At least I know someone’s actually knows me at school.” She cutely joked even if I know her heart’s breaking. “Can you do me a favor?”

“What is it?” I gulped.

“Please, when you see me, talk to me. I want to meet you, and thank you personally.” I can do that—especially now that she’s the one who asked for it. I wanted to do that before—long ago.

 

With positive thoughts after calling Seohyun, I finally went home.

I came home and saw Luhan eating the cookies. I saw the box—the same box Seohyun and Yoona were holding onto. Yoona delivered the cookies—but Luhan got it. I was surprised, but more than that… I was worried. Especially when he asked, “You know, we’re brothers right?” I just nodded. “Can you help me find the girl who left this in the front yard?”

I could not answer at first. “The one who put it there?” because those are two different people—the one who baked, and the one who delivered.

“Yes.” He nodded.

“You’ll find her in a red dress tomorrow night at the prom.” That was the only thing I said. Tomorrow’s a big day, and I can’t let anyone, even my brother, to ruin it. I have to meet Seohyun. I have to.

 

I came early—just on time during the prom. I waited for Seohyun to arrive—ready to tell her who I really am. But then, when I saw Luhan—I remember telling him about the red dress. I must see Seohyun first—that’s my only goal to fulfil my promise to Seohyun. But when I glanced again at Luhan, he was making his way through the crowd—Yoona was wearing a red dress too.

I was surprised to see it—and I saw another figure, standing beside me, looking at Yoona and Luhan.

It was Seohyun—who, in a split of seconds, started running away.

I followed Seohyun as soon as she ran out of the hall. She just came, and I was just about to let her know of my existence. Of my real identity. Of who I am. She may be older than me, but I know, deep down, I have grown in love with her. Just when I finally decided to stop watching her from afar, she’s the one who run away.

What hurts the most is that it was because of Luhan-hyung once again.

I ran after her, but then Yoona got to her first. Yoona’s her best friend, and as much as I want to cut in and tell her who I am, let her know I care, let her know even just my name and how I look like… I couldn’t.

Especially when I saw Luhan-hyung approaching the two of them.

And, yet again, I was left in the shadows.

When Yoona left, Luhan-hyung slowly approached Seohyun. And that night, I was the boy who watched that girl who thought she was always on the sidelines for the guy he likes… that’s who I used to be, the real one on the sidelines.

When Luhan took her hand, my heart did break.

I had to walk away, as I received an urgent call. That night, I ran for my life and left the person I love. Forever. I wish I was given at chance to least keep my promise—do that favor.