Chapter I - A mysterious book

GASP

“NO!”

I screamed in shock as I hastily seated on my bed, sweating and panting. Slowly, I placed my hands on the sides of my head, recalling the puzzling dream:

“Aish… that strange dream again… it’s so confusing, but… Why do I always feel a heartache every time I saw that scene… Hmmm odd…”

I sighed, convincing myself that there is nothing to worry about it. However, when my eyes scanned my room and I felt relieved… But, after I saw the hour on my alarm clock, my blood froze as my eyes almost popped from my face.

“Ahhh damn it! I am going to be late again!”

After stand up into a one fluid motion, I rushed to my bathroom for a quick shower and after some minutes, I already dressed myself on my uniform and ran over by the stairs, greeting my mother and younger sister in rush:

Shi Dae Uniform


“Bye mom! Bye Krys!”

“Bye oppa” “*chuckles* Late again, Jess? Well, farewell and be careful!” I heard my mom and my sis yelling at me as I quickly smiled and waved at them, finally reaching my bike to rush to my school.

Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself, I’m terribly sorry, but well, let’s get started…

My name is Jung Jesse, 18 years old and I am a student of the Shi Dae High School. I think you must be asking to yourself why a guy of 18 years old went to his school using a bike… To be honest, I have two reasons; Number 1 it’s because I think it’s because I like it to recall my thoughts while I am going to the school and, number 2 it’s because I am saving my money and working to buy a decent car and of course, help in my home as well. My hobbies are a good reading of any kind of book, minus romance… Run, Sleep and ect; honestly there is nothing big about me, I am a pretty common guy who have some weird friends, but I am not the kind of person who express my feelings a lot, I – I --!!!

“Hey, watch out!”

I heard someone yelling, but when I looked to forward I widened my eyes and quickly, stepped on the break to prevent a trampling. Looks like I was so endorsed in my self-presentation that I didn’t even realize that I almost made an accident. However, my almost-victim was with her back against me and her books scattered on the floor. Feeling guilty due my distraction, I quickly crouched and reached her books as in the last moment, my hand touched hers. I can’t explain, but when my skin touched hers, I felt a warm and familiar feeling rushing over my body, so I had to look up and see the girl’s face. When I saw it, my heart halted when our eyes met…

“No wonder…” It was her… my body didn’t move as I found myself staring those mesmerizing brown orbs. She was stunned as well, I can tell… but after realize in what kind of situation we were, both us broke the stare as frowns crept in our faces. Now already glaring each other, she quickly reached the book of my hands and muttered wryly without look at me:

“Be more careful on the next time… Jung.”

I narrowed my eyes and couldn’t help to scoff as I hastily stood up, already snapping back coldly:

“Whatever, Hwang. Isn’t my fault if you don’t look where you step…”

After pursuing her lips, obviously angry, she started to walk away, yet not without whisper sharply:

“Airhead…”

I gritted my teeth, feeling annoyed and already balling my fists tightly. When I was about to step closer, I felt a light squeeze in my left arm; as soon I turn my head, my expression suddenly eased with the sight of this angel like girl. The latter smiled at me weakly and uttered politely as she gave me an encouraging word:

“I am sorry for my sister’s behavior, oppa. She isn’t bad; actually she is very kind and caring, just give her some time.”

A bitter chuckle escaped from my lips as I shook my head and smiled weakly to the polite girl… it was funny; the angel was defending the tyrant, how can they be relatives? … However, I placed my hand on her shoulder and uttered trying to mask my disappointment:

“Don’t worry, SeoHyun. I don’t have doubt that she is a good sister, her problem it’s me…”

“Oppa… just don’t give up, I can tell you that she is pretty dull when it comes feelings or something else… I can be totally sure that she li---“

“Hyun? Are you still wasting your time with this ice prince? Come on, our class will start.”

SeoHyun nodded and walked to her eldest sister, who already was tapping her feet impatiently and ignoring my presence. Nonetheless, the angel-like girl turn around and gave me an encouraging smile as she waved happily:

“Bye, oppa. See you later, think about what I said.”

I couldn’t help to smile at her words, yet when them both were walking away, suddenly, flashes of my grief past pierced into my mind. As much I wanted to erase everything and be honest with my feelings for… Tiffany… It was hard to forget her doings… I can’t lie to myself saying that I don’t care about this tension between us, it hurts… still, I wonder how long I will take it? I – I can’t trust her again…

“Hey, Jess! Overslept again?”

I glared to my so called best and noisy friend, Kwon Yuri who was smiling cheekily at me…

[YURI P.O.V]

I happily said while I gave a hard slap on his back, he just glared at me and snarled while I tried to contain my laughter:

“Kwon Yuri… if you want to see the Creator… I think I can arrange a meeting… N.O.W!”

“Hmmm feisty hahaha easy Jess, I am on your side!”

He gave his blank face, like on those times when he is zonning out. However, when I realized that he wasn’t threatening me anymore, I raised my brown in confusion; just when I follow his stare, I sighed in realization. Seeing the hurt and pride in his eyes, I whispered:

“Unsuccessful again? Jesse Jung, I already told you many times… if you want to stop this hate- hate relationship between you two, you must be honest with your feelings with her…”

Suddenly he gave me the most incredulous look and his face became cold and fierce again as he utters ‘emotionlessly’, scoffing:

“I don’t care, what happened between us it wasn’t my fault… Come, our class will start soon.”

“All right…” I sadly uttered since I knew he was hiding his feelings; anyone could tell that both of them were suffering, but they are so stubborn. Those two are making me cra-

“Aish, damn it!”

I cursed when I didn’t realize where I was going and I end up crashing on the front door, letting all my notes and books drop on the floor, including my glasses. Feeling embarrassed, I quickly kneeled on the wooden floor and hastily reached my belongings. Nonetheless, when I was complaining loudly, an unknown, yet warm hand gave a light squeeze on my shoulder, offering my glasses again. Hurriedly, I shot my head up and became agape to see that it was that lonely and tall guy… Choi Soo… something. He is so mysterious and odd; although I never saw him talking with anyone, something on him caught my attention… definitely was his eyes, it was so beautiful and innocent, yet so fearful and lost. What kind of secrets those eyes already witnessed before?

However, my train of thoughts were interrupted when he shook my shoulder and looked at me with a confused expression. Once I shook my head, I blushed involuntarily since I was ‘caught’ staring at him a little too much. When I was about to reach my stuffs, I was puzzled since all my belongings already were on his hands. Neither one of us spoke; yet, he carefully handed my books as he placed his hands on his pockets and turned around to leave. I don’t know why, but I was looking forward to listen to his voice or at least to receive an encouraging word. When I lowered my head in defeat and pouting, he surprised me for the second time when he suddenly turns around and his semblance softened. I swear I could feel my heart lap on my chest… oh God, what it’s happening with me? Once we held a meaningful stare, a small smile crept in his lips as he finally spoke:

“Be careful… I don’t want to see you getting hurt.”

With that, we looked to each other for brief seconds and he finally left. It’s funny, originally I would find him incredible odd since he isn’t very communicative and I don’t know anything about him, then… why am I so worried and curious about whom he is? Aish… I think it’s time for Detective Kwon Yuri get some action!



[JESSE P.O.V]

Under a hot and roasting sun, I was doing my P.E and running for how long that I don’t even know how many laps I did…. Oh God, how much I miss my air conditioner… Anyways, good thing I like to run or else, I would be beaten for those poor guys behind me. When I heard the P.E teacher whistle, I took a deep breath in relief since now, we have a break of 20 minutes. Dragging myself to the bleachers, I saw my gang resting and waving at me. Once I reached them, Yuri gave me a water bottle as I quickly reached, taking a big gulp:

“Thanks”

“Don’t mention it; you deserve it after pass trough Mr. Park’s torture… I mean P.E”

I chuckled at her remark and keep drinking my fresh water. However, when I seated on the bleached to recover my breath, I started to look around nonchalantly. Yet, when I saw a scene before my eyes, my heart stopped again. Not so far of me, there was that spoiled princess a.k.a Hwang Tiffany with a dreamy face as she stared that cocky and show off guy… Choi Siwon. I can believe that he stood before her and kept smiling ridiculously as she kept falling in his charms. Not satisfied, he took his shirt in front of her to show his ‘so perfect body’ while he was flirting with her…

“Arghhhh that guy it’s such a player and cocky! How Tiffany can’t realize that? This it’s getting on my nerves…”

Tensing my jaw in anger, I realized that it hurts the most when I saw her eyes shining when she was talking with him and her face was flushed. Gripping my water bottle very tight, I gritted my teeth when I heard their annoying laughter as she kept laughing of his stupid jokes. However, when I saw him removing strand of her hair of her face, I finally felt something wet in my hands. As soon I looked down, I rolled my eyes and sighed heavily, muttering wryly while I tried to dry myself:

“Ah just great…”

Standing up, I started to shake my shirt in an attempt to make it dry. I couldn’t help to think in how much I am unlucky in all possible ways. Nonetheless, when I was busy drying my shirt, someone whispered to me:

“Don’t look it… but she is looking at you right now.”

Frowning in confusion with Yuri’s words, I felt curious as I looked above her shoulder and I saw it. The girl who was totally ogling on the most popular jerk guy from the school, it was now… staring at me. We held an intense stare as if our eyes were trying to the say the words we can’t say. Again, I felt that unwelcoming feeling spreading on my stomach, but I couldn’t give in, not after know that this girl doesn’t care about me and clearly hates me. After brief seconds, she broke her stare as her friend called her name. I shook my head and seated again with my head lowered; it was when I felt a hand tapping my brown hair and calling my attention:

“Jesse… how long you two will stay like this? You know you guys need to talk and forget this tension between you two already”

“Tsk… whatever… she has the mister perfect, she wouldn’t lose her time with me and I don’t wanna know anything about her!”

Yuri sighed heavily as she seated at my side on the bleachers and made me look at her eyes. After a while, she whispered sadly while she looked to my hurt form:

“Jess… you can’t hide your feelings from me. I know you lik---!”

“Don’t you dare finish your sentence, Yuri. I don’t feel anything about her, for me, she can date with whomever she wants that I don’t care.”

“Are you trying to fool me or you? Jesse, I am saying this as a friend, please consider about it… sometimes it is better we try it after claim our defeat, if you don’t… you can regret for the rest of your life.”

I remained silent since I was tired of all this situation. I lowered my head since I knew I couldn’t hide my feelings from Yuri, she is my best friend and knows me better than myself. I know she is right, but I can’t go further with this, it’s the best to avoid each other. Yuri noted my downcast semblance as she out of sudden, started to talk about another topic:

“So… you didn’t tell me why you were late today? I know you can be a heavy sleeper sometimes, but I think you look very tired. Is everything all right?”

She eyed at me curiously as after some seconds, I sighed deeply as I finally uttered tiredly:

“I don’t know… it was that same strange again… I feel like every time I sleep, more close I am to discover about those persons. Yet, that dream only appeared in my mind once in a while, but lately… I am almost dreaming the same thing every day. Whenever I woke up, I feel so tired and … worried… I just… I can’t help.”

Pursuing her lips, Yuri thinks deeply as she turned her attention to me, and advised worriedly:

“Jess, you should see a doctor or whatever since this kind of thing isn’t very common, right? Promise?”

I smirked faintly and shook my head as she raised her pinky finger and I sighed heavily after twist mines on hers. A relieved smile crossed her face as she finally spoke sincerely:

“I am just worried about you, Jess. Don’t strain yourself too much ok?”

“All right, don’t worry anymore. I promise that I will tell you everything… by the way, thanks, Yul.”

She shook her head with a smile and soon, her twin brother came already making me laugh with his lame jokes and pranks. I looked around to see that I have great friends, yet I couldn’t lie to myself, I knew that something definitely was missing in my life…



(Meanwhile at the other side of the bleachers…)

[TIFFANY’S P.O.V]

A few minutes ago, I can’t believe in what I just did… there was me and the unbelievable handsome Siwon oppa before me. We were chatting happily and I was finding myself blushing whenever he approached of me, giving his most charming and perfect smile. Yet, I blushed much more when he removed his shirt, saying that he was sweating a lot. Oh~~such an amazing view. However, to my unhappiness, the coach called him and he had to leave me, but not before give me that amazing and bright smile. My day was getting better since I was trying to forget my earlier incident with that… arghhh despicable Jung…

I was dozing off watching the grassy field and the bleachers; I had frozen when my eyes caught another stunning view. With the body glistening under the sun, the sweat was dropping of his slightly moistened bangs… it was him. I was mesmerized when I saw that his sweaty figure… What a heck?! What am I saying?! This is Jung, the same icy Jung which ignores me and gives me the cold attitude. I shouldn’t be checking him for God’s sake, but …

However, when I thought that nothing could it be worst, I was wrong. I felt my heart jumping suddenly under my chest when I saw him looking back at me with those emotionless eyes. No, scratch that… there was something about his stare that I couldn’t decipher, yet, still was I staring at him. Our stare war only lasted some seconds when out of sudden, I heard a booming voice breaking my train of though and stare:

“There you are! I was looking for you, Tippany!”

“Jesus, Tae! You scared me!” I said as I tugged my shirt and dipping my head since I knew I would it be probably blushing. However, as much I tried to act normally, I noted a sudden silence; curious, I lifted my head and hissed when I saw that cheeky smile on this dwarf a.k.a my best friend TaeYeon. He quickly glance my earlier focus and suddenly, he raised his left brown and a knowing smile emerged on his lips. He crossed his arms cockily as he whispered teasingly into my ear:

“Checking out the Jung again? Tsk tsk tsk Fany, you are a very naughty girl hahahaha”

“Arghhh shut up Tae, keep your voice down!” I hissed almost entering in panic since this dwarf doesn’t know to keep his mouth shut, seriously I know him for 10 years and his mind still is the same… aish such a kid. Nonetheless, I thanked God that my so called bestie stopped his teasing game while he sighs happily, already reaching a fancy card on his back pocket. I looked at him quizzically and instantaneously, a happy smile formed in his lips as he sniffed the card with a perfumed scent and opened to read the content. Before I could ask, he answered without break his stare from his card:

“She sent another letter again… look!”

He said excitedly as he placed the paper on my hands and I read the whole content. I must admit, this girl can be really cheesy, yet I can feel that her words are sincere and very cheering, like an energy boost. I couldn’t help to smile at my friend’s happiness; it was when I just found an excellent opportunity to payback. So, I narrowed my eyes playfully and started while punching his shoulders:

“Wow Tae-Tae… I am surprised; you know that it’s the opposite. Normally, a guy would send a letter to a girl, hardly it would it be the contrary, unless… are you sure that she is… a she? Or if she is pretty?”

With my teasing question, TaeYeon widened his eyes and violently shook his head as he flickers my forehead. I hissed in a small pain as I listened his words:

“Stop talking nonsense! I am sure it’s a girl ok? If she is the way I am imaging her, she is beautiful! Aish sometimes I wonder what I deserve it to have such dirty mind best friend…”

“Ya, Tae! I was kidding! I know your secret admirer must be a byun, dork and shorty girl as you, am I right? That it’s what you imagine? Hahaha I knew it!*chuckles* still, you owns me some apologize!”

I said my words, pouting while I rubbed my forehead quickly. Suddenly, my small pain disappeared since I saw a blush creeping on Tae’s cheeks, omo so cute! Hahaha I guess I was right, if I knew him, only a girl with his personality would it be able to deal with his byuness and dorkyness. I was about to again, but then I saw a genuine smile in his face, like you know, when you really like someone and then, I decided to let him dream with his secret admirer. It didn’t take too much to my little sis and my friend HyoYeon joins us.

I realized that SeoHyun was with her head lowered all the time, almost like if she was… embarrassed… by I know her, if it was something about boys, she would it be more annoyed than embarrassed due her ‘boyphobia’… Hmmm, odd; looks like something happened and I will investigate later. I sighed after realize something, while everyone was happy or curious about love subject, why my mind can only bring that Jung and his stare again? Oh God, I don’t know what to do, he is so complicated…



[JESSE P.O.V]

After a tiring and long day on the school, I quickly said my farewells to my friends as I rushed to my work. Oh right, I didn’t mention it, actually although my friends say that my work it’s boring, I believe it’s one of my favorites places, like a personal sanctuary. Well, I work at Mrs. Lee bookstore as her assistant. The place can be a little small, yet the environment its incredible cozy and held a familiar feeling. It’s a very good place to stay. Oh and my so called boss… Mrs. Lee, well she is one of the most funny and kind old lady that I ever met.

As soon I reached the store, I quickly reached my green apron and wrapped around my upper and lower body. When I was about to adjust some boxes, Mrs. Lee surprised me as she aroused behind a bookshelf with a gentle smile in her face, already greeting me kindly:

“Oh. Hello, Jesse. You are early. Just relax a little, your face it’s screaming that you didn’t had a lot sleep lately…”

I couldn’t help to smile with her care; she was like a second mom to me. Ever since I met her two years ago in the library that I used to go, she told me that she noted my great interest in books and also told me that she needed someone to help her with her store. I didn’t even think twice to accept the offer since I would it be working in something that I like and earning some honest money; the best part that she always allowed to me rent some books in any kind to my daily reading.

However, also like my second mom, she knows me very well even when I am not talking. So I decided to hide my earlier concerns and sadness as I placed a smile in my face and nodded assuring:

“Thanks, ajhumma. But I have a lot work to do, don’t worry I will be fine.”

Suddenly, she raised her eyebrow to me suspiciously and I held my breath in anticipation. Soon, she sighs and shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly:

“Well, if you say so…”

“Yes, I am fine, Mrs. Lee. Thank you for asking; now if you excuse me I will do my tasks.”

As I said, I wanted to focus only in work. I didn’t care in how many tasks I was endorsed, I wanted to do anything to clear my mind of the earlier events. Even after hours of work, I realized that I already cleaned all the bookshelves, placed the books in order alphabetically and… still was I thinking about her again… I slowly seated on the chair close to the showcase as I watched the street. It was getting dark and many people were passing outside, most part of them was loving couples smiling, hugging and kissing each other happily. For a moment, I felt jealous of them… why my love life was such a disaster?

Once again, my mind started to picture her… when this will stop? When will she leave my mind and feelings? Why every time I tried to forget and ignore her, the feeling come back ten times worst… Is hard when someone shows clearly repulsion when it saw you… but it is much worst when this person is the same one you l--- Arghhh! Stop it! I can’t take it anymore, I must stop thinking about that Hwang, she doesn’t care about me and I had to keep treating her coldly… just to make sure that I am not hurt…

“Is everything right, Jesse?”

After I heard Mrs. Lee’s voice, I jolted in surprise as I jumped from the chair and stood before her. She looked at me worriedly as I quickly shook my head and tried to force an assuring expression:

“Wh-why did you ask, ajhumma? I am fine, see?”

She narrowed her eyes like I was hiding something from her. She looked at me from the top of my head to my toe, after remove her rounded glasses slowly, she motioned to me seat again. I waited patiently as she breathed heavily and started gently:

“Jesse… my young boy, you know you can’t lie to me very well. I do care about you; I know that you are hiding something from me. So why don’t you share this with me, I know you will feel better… trust me, I might help you.”

I couldn’t help to chuckle bitterly as I looked back to the outside and smiled weakly:

“With all respect, ajhumma… I don’t think you can help me… only if you had the power to make the girl who hates me… stop to be so hostile with me… I would appreciate your help.”

“So… it’s a girl? No wonder, I believe she must be very important to you or else, you wouldn’t it be so down as you are now…. Jesse, how can you be so sure that she hates you?”

Flashes of my morning flew on my head; I remembered the way she looked at me, just like if I was some kind of plague. I know I can be really cold sometimes, still… it hurts. However, I knew that each time I spoke about my problem, it only get worse. So not wanting to extend the subject, I shook my head, already standing up as I uttered slowly:

“I – I thank you for your help, Mrs. Lee. Honestly I don’t know, but certainly I must be on top of her black list. Only a miracle could change our situation… it’s really complicated…”

“Is really complicated as you think? Maybe you just need a little push or some help to join you two again”.

“Thanks, Mrs. Lee… I – I will organize… the books again.”

I said sadly as I halted, trying to think in anything, but none. I end up breathing heavily as I left Mrs. Lee to behind while I was lost in my thoughts.

…

Hours passed and I had to admit that it was a tiring day after put all those books in order. I saw the hour in my wristwatch and realized that my shift already ended it. I wiped the sweat in my forehead as I started to remove my apron. When I already was grabbing my belongings, I heard some familiar sound like box falling and etc. Worried, I looked for her and when I found my ‘boss’, I gasped in shock to see that she was trying to lift a heavy box. Quickly removing the box from her hands, I gently scolded the old lady:

“Mrs. Lee! Why didn’t you call me sooner?! You can hurt yourself doing things by your own!”

“Oh, Jesse! I thought that you already left and I didn’t want to bother you, boy. Don’t worry, I am tough one!”

I couldn’t help to chuckle as the old lady tapped her chest to show her resistance. After reaching the box of her hands effortlessly, I turn around and blurted with a smile:

“Right. I wouldn’t like to pick a fight with you *chuckles* So… where do I put this?”

“Hmm can you place these boxes on the stock down the hall at the last bookshelf?”

After take a deep breath, I nodded as I already was walking to the storage, still scolding her:

“All right! And don’t do that again! You doesn’t bother me at all, ajhumma!”

(While Jesse was busy taking the boxes, he wouldn’t ever imagine that behind him, Mrs. Lee was smiling mischievously).

Meanwhile…

After I diverted myself from some old and dusty boxes, I finally reached the last bookshelf as Mrs. Lee warned me. Man, this place certainly needs a real cleaning. However, after I removed some old books from the box and placed on the bookcase, I sighed in relief. Yet, while I was stretching myself and exercising my arms due a sudden cramp, my eyes caught something odd. Right at the corner of the storage room, a black book was above in some kind of old trunk. Hmmm funny, I remember clearly that I ordered all books on the bookcase and there isn’t any book a top of that chest, I know I am tired, but this still didn’t affected my sight, well, I hope so…

Nonetheless, I can’t explain, but I felt dragged by that mysterious book. Taking some steps, I was finally in front of the strange object. Even a little hesitant at first, I finally reached the book as I placed my hand on the cover, brushing a little to remove the dust; I realized that there was a hole on the cover. Scanning the object attentively, I noted a chain hanged on the book’s corner, at the end of the chain, there was a circular object almost looking a polished stone which it looks like a sapphire with a silver border. It was beautiful, however I couldn’t open the book since the latter had some kind of lock, a very different one.

Pondering my thoughts in a possible way to open this, something clicked as I looked to the polished stone. Not thinking twice, I felt curious as I reached the ‘sapphire’ and held my breath as I carefully placed on the hole in the cover. Once my hand finally placed the sapphire on the ‘lock’, out of sudden, flashes of my dream and some kind of memories or visions came to my mind in a snap of finger as I quickly shook my head and hastily placed the book on the chest. Feeling a small migraine, I looked the book again worriedly. Filled with curiosity, I took a deep breath as I touched the book again, but this time nothing happened.

I frowned when I saw the book’s cover… it was empty? I mean empty in the meaning with no titles, images or even the name of the author or the publisher. Of course, the book certainly looks old, almost like in some kind of valuable rarity. I must admit that I was curious and in some way, attracted with this book’s origin. So, thinking quickly, I rushed out the stock and went to find Mrs. Lee who was seated on the cashier. Once she saw me, a knowing smile formed in her lips when she saw my reckless expression. Placing her chin on her left hand, she asked playfully:

“What happened to you, boy? You look a little… agitated?”

Nibbling my lips in guilty since I knew it was wrong to be noisy and get the other’s things without their authorization. Yet, it looks like Mrs. Lee noted my nervousness, then she smiled softly at me as she waited for my words. After take a deep breath, I removed the book from my back and showed to her as I tried to speak carefully:

“Hmmm Mrs. Lee… I was putting the books in order as you asked, but when I finished, I realized that one book was in the wrong place, precisely atop of an old chest. I know you don’t have to answer me and I really apologize to be so noisy and—“

“Jesse, could you make me the question? Don’t worry, I am not mad.”

She said as she reached her glasses and took a good look on the book in my hands. Feeling much more relieved, I started to explain:

“Well, I found this book there and honestly, I am… intrigued… This book looks antique and what it’s really confusing is the fact that this same book doesn’t have a title, the name of the author or even the name of the publisher. Do you know where this book came from?”

Mrs. Lee pursued her lips as she was digesting all my questions and remarks. After a brief moment, she carefully took the book from my hands and scanned it deeply. I looked to her focus as well since I was really curious, isn’t everyday that you find a curious book like this. Yet, she suddenly started with a smile in her face as she kept analyzing:

“Oh is this still here? I thought I had lost already.” I looked at her in surprise and asked:

“This book it’s yours?” She simply shrugged her shoulders and adjusted her glasses:

“Well, partly yes. This book as you can see it’s very old and it was passing through my generations. I remember that my mother used to tell this book story and if I remember correctly… it was a… love story. Yes, a love story filled with fantasy, magic and adventure.”

At the part of ‘love story’, I felt something piercing on my heart since I knew it was the part I most lacked or my weakness. Shoot… I was thinking that it was a good story, but I dislike romances since my love life it’s a failure. However, I snapped from my thoughts when Mrs. Lee placed the book in my hands and warned at me as she placed my hand on the cover:

“Jesse, I would like if you take this book to your home. I know this can help you.”

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Lee, but this romance and love isn’t my ‘thing’. I would prefer some action, adventure or even science fiction. With love I am like a big zero. But thanks for the offer.”

Yet, she kept the grasp on my hand as she chuckles and shook her head, saying wisely:

“Oh, my dear boy. You must respect the elders, so since you didn’t give me choice, you will take this book to your home. Only give me back once you read EVERY single word. Trust me, something tells me that this book its nothing that you ever saw before. Bye, Jesse. See you on Monday, my boy. Have a good reading!”

What? I couldn’t even refuse since Mrs. Lee practically pushed me off the store. Aish… I sighed deeply as I looked to the book in my hands. Placing on my backpack, I shook my head as I walked to my home. Once I reached my house, I greeted my mother, giving her a hug and messed with my kid sister as I caringly, yet ruffled her hair playfully. Soon, I rushed to my bathroom and went to a deserved and long bath after a tiring day.

When I was back to my room, my eyes automatically landed on that book on my nightstand where I placed. I quickly shook my head and ignore it my curiosity as I reached another book I was reading. However, after some minutes in my book, I keep glancing that odd book and everything I was reading on my current book it was blablabla, I simply couldn’t pay attention. Not wanting to give in, I ruffed and placed my book on the nightstand and turn off the lamp to sleep. I kept flailing on my bed for a decent sleep, but none… I was a heavy sleeper, but tonight I wasn’t sleepy at all… aish, damn book.

Once I turn around to see the time on my alarm clock, I widened my shock since it didn’t even passed 5 minutes:

“Arghhh! Okay! You won!”

Feeling defeated by a simple book, I quickly turn on the lamp as I reached the mysterious book. Taking a deep breath, I did the same thing I did on the store. After take the sapphire stone of the chain, I gingerly placed on the hole in the cover. But this time, the flashes returned, but it was odd, it was like visions, I could see myself, yet in places that I never went before. Shaking my head in denial, I nibbled my lip in anticipation when I heard a ‘click’ once I successfully attached the stone on the lock. Feeling anxious, I quickly turned the first page and a title with red letters called my attention. Yet, since the book was old, the letters were kind hard to read, after I lot of work, I read the title slowly and loudly:

“L-Lo-V-E—L-O-V-E FA-FA-B-LE! Oh! Love Fable! I got it!”

I repeated the title while rolling my eyes, speaking to no one, yet very sarcastically:

“Love Fable? Seriously? Very original… Aish, this story better be good…”

However, once I started to riffle the pages, my eyes were widened when I realized that all pages were BLANK! I mean blank in zero, like no words, messages or anything. Ahhh, I think that Mrs. Lee gets all wrong or maybe, due the time the words could be erased perhaps? Hmm this doesn’t make sense or else at least a small or tiny word still would it be here. Aish, I don’t believe I had such interest for nothing; I am going to sleep now. Feeling frustrated, I shook my head in disbelief as I placed the book in my stand. Although I was kinda disappointed with that book, I started to feel my eyelids getting heavy. Adjusting myself on my bed, I let myself rest on Morpheus’s arms…



Jesse didn’t even realize it that his sudden sleep was just a mere step of the mysterious sleep; he ended up sleeping while holding the sapphire stone in his hands. Suddenly, the sapphire stone started to blink continually as the book open by itself due a sudden wind, even when his door and window were completely shut. Finally, the book stopped on the first page as the words started to write by itself…

“Chapter One… The First Encounter… First Love…”

A blinding light started to surround Jesse’s body and suddenly, his body turned into dust as he was dragged to the book…



Omo, am I sleeping? Why it’s so hot here? I remember to put my air conditioner on full blast last night. I kept traveling in my thoughts, although I wanted to return to my precious sleep, I heard an annoying sound like a loud roar… Aish, Krystal should put that television on the highest volume. I squeezed my eyes shut, but the sound only get louder, much more when I heard some crows chirping, oh man, is she watching Discovery channel again? Ahhh, Krys shut this off and let me sleep! However, slowly, I found out that something very odd, if I remember correctly, last night after I talked with Krystal, she told me that she would go to a sleepover on her friend’s house and my mom, well, I know she it’s in her work today… but the problem its… OH MY GOD! WHO ARE IN MY HOUSE?!

Realizing that I could it be in danger, I snapped my eyes open as I hastily seated. However, once I rubbed my eyes and took a good look on my surroundings, I widened my eyes as my jaw dropped on the floor. Right around me, there was a beautiful yet, very VERY dangerous jungle. I blinked my eyes a few times to see if this was real, I mean this can’t be real! I must be sleeping! Yeah, definitely this is some kind of nightmare! And dreams you can’t hurt yourself, I just need to wake up! Thinking quickly, I slapped my cheeks a few times and the scene still was there. Starting to feel worried, I pinched my left arm hard and suddenly:

“OUCH! THIS SHOULDN’T HURT!”

*ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRR*

And that it was it hit me… everything I fear the most… this wasn’t a dream. After I realized that dream or not, I was in danger. I didn’t think twice to jump of the ground as I started to run like crazy on this wild jungle… Oh my God, this can’t be real! This is impossible! While walking like crazy betweens the woods, I look down to my clothing, once I took a good look, I gasped in shock, muttering wryly:

“Ahhh no way!”

I was using some kind of a cowboy’s attire, what’ hell?! Such bad taste, although I like cowboys’ movies, this doesn’t match with me! However, I realized that under my white shirt, there was that sapphire stone around my neck in some kind of medallion or amulet, the same one of the book. Yet, my train of thoughts was interrupted when I heard that loud roar, so desperate to run away, I stumbled on a dead trunk and end up rolling by a long ravine. I knew this would hurt later, so after the fall, my body hit some kind of mud on the end of the gully. With mud at the height of my waist, I tried to get out, but every time I tried to set myself free, the mud kept pulling me down… It was when my blood froze and I widened my eyes in realization:

“Cr@p! QUICKSAND! Oh, God, don’t let me die here! HELP! ANYBODY HELP! HELPPPPP!!!”

I became more despaired when I felt my body giving in on the sand in every time I moved. Feeling my life for a hair’s breadth away, I kept yelling for help. So out of sudden, I heard like someone was running to my direction. Even knowing that it could it be a wild animal, I had to try as the steps were getting louder. Taking a deep breath in anticipation, I squeezed my eyes; in silence, I looked to forward and some girl’s legs in an exotic cloth, like an anime heroine. Once my eyes looking up, I heard a gasp followed by a scorn as I narrowed my eyes:

“YOU!?” She yelled at me with her eyes also narrowed. I couldn’t help to reply coldly, yelling:

“YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!”


...


TBC

Replies:

@JeTiHyun: Hi, friend! Yup, it is from ssf, but I already finished there ;) I'm glad to hear that and to have you around. Thanks for everything, my friend. Take care and God bless!

A/N: Hi, readers, here I am with chapter 1, I hope you guys enjoy it. Sorry for grammar errors, I didnt check it twice. Thank you and God bless all, see ya!