NOTE : This chapter is specifically for Jae Hyo. His character is based on someone I knew personally and this update is sort of a catharsis for all the left-over feelings I have. I'd be lying if I said that this fanfic is purely fictional. The song, which in Japanese translates to Stop This Night, is befitting for the chapter and Saya's feelings for Jae Hyo and their relationship. Thank you for supporting Hysterie all this time. I love you all.

(Listen to Kono Yoru Wo Tomete Yo by JUJU : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLWGgIPG2qQ)

Less than a fortnight was left until the wedding and the doom of choice was hovering above me like an assigned mercenary. Following the conversation I had overheard, Jae Hyo's attitude remained the same. I was secretly hoping for anger and anxiety, just so I could honestly confront him and settle the problem with a mature discussion. But time passed and as it continued brushing past me, I was reminded of when I first knew my love for Jae Hyo.

During the six months that I fought with depression, all I could think about was what I had let go of. I loved Woohyun with all my heart (and a part of me had finally admitted that I still do) and the time spent after our break-up had been a glimpse of what hell had to offer. My family tried their best to bring us back together, but with Woohyun completely off-radar and unreachable, the last shred of hope that I had for him was lost. 

That was when I reached out to Jae Hyo. I remember calling him and whispering nothing but, "Are you busy?" I quietly welcomed him to my house and a radical ritual began, him playing the piano while I listened to the melody from the windowsill. I could say that he did it for me but every time I glanced at him, there was nothing but serenity due to the music he was creating. Jae Hyo was letting me know that he never did anything special for anyone. But that didn't mean that the things he did weren't good for others too.

The visits were therapeutic and after a month of sitting by the windowsill, I finally took a seat next to him and played along, smiling when he mutely corrected my mistake. My recovery wasn't miraculous but Jae Hyo's presence was. He was anything but imposing and after being with a protective man, I felt eased in the arms of one who gave me strength from afar. There were times when I doubted him. Was he always like this or was it just for a relationship? But my conscience chided me and bit by bit, I broke out of my shell of vanity. Without sweeping me off my feet, Jae Hyo introduced me to a whole new world under the very same sky.

It all finally culminated when Jae Hyo and I stepped out at the metro station I used everyday. I lost myself among the crowd and started panicking, stretching my neck, pushing innocent strangers. My pulse started racing when I failed to find the familiar face when suddenly our eyes met. That's when we realized how far we both had come. It was also the first time that we held hands.

"Saya?"

I awoke from my thoughts and looked up at Jae Hyo's calm face. The two of us were sitting in the living room, surrounded by lists of numbers, names and addresses. 

"You're tired," he smiled and brushed his hand across my hair. "We should take a break, okay? I'll get you some coffee."

I smiled back and nodded. Just before my eyes could drift away, Jae Hyo's touch made me look back at him. I raised my eyebrows, motioning for him to say what he wanted to say. For the first time, I saw darkness in his eyes, a faint light trying its best to emerge from the eclipse. He took hold of my hand and said, "I love you."

Without waiting for a response he walked away, leaving me on the couch. I bit my lower lip and softly placed my hand on my chest, feeling the first heartbreak of this relationship. I wasn't sad because of guilt. I was sad because deep down, I knew that his I love you was sadder than my impending farewell.