"Flashback"

With the view of other towers and the sky surrounding Orchid Tower, Park Chanyeol chose to concentrate on his laptop screen with the latest campaign promotion for Charmed. He had been trying to work on the mobile application that might be work to promote the new product of Charmed. Working closely with the Connection team, he’s almost done preparing the proposal to be presented to the team. He’s so absorbed with his work that he didn’t hear the knock on his door.

“Sunbae,” a soft voice heard and he found Lee Hyeri stood on the door to his office. She smiled prettily when she exchanged look with her senior. Chanyeol noticed how her navy blue dress fit well with her bright yellowish hair. “It’s time for lunch. Aren’t you coming with us?”

Chanyeol blinked his eyes several times before he looked at his watch. It’s indeed lunch time; he must have been so full with work that he forgot his screaming stomach.

“Do you plan to eat outside?” he asked Hyeri.

“Yes, Director Kim said that he’s going to treat us for ribs and beef soup in the intersection. Will you join us?”

Chanyeol nodded in agreement. “Sure. Let me refresh first, I’ll join you guys later. See you at the restaurant?”

“Yeah, sure.”

It took ten minutes for Chanyeol to get refreshed, tidy his shirt, and then walk out from his office. He made a mental note to call on Byun Baekhyun and Kim Junmyeon to discuss about the update of the application plus preparing another meeting with other company that he’s working with. He’s a bit surprised to see Hyeri still stood in the lobby of their office floor.

“I thought you left already with the others?” Chanyeol asked her as he stood next to her, pushing the button to go downstairs.

“I replied several emails first and thought that you might need company,” she answered, giving her smile towards him.  “Am I right?”

“About having company? It’s just few minutes away.” Chanyeol replied as he chuckled.

They’re engaged in a short small talk about work or about the latest gossip. Hyeri excitedly explained about who’s broke up, who’s having affair, and who’s in relationship. Chanyeol didn’t really care though, but since he’s familiar with these kinds of things at home, he politely responded to what his subordinate said.

Lee Hyeri was one of his junior in university when he took his IT degree. She’s not taking IT though, but she could relate between IT and her skill in graphic design. She’s joining the company for 2 years and her work actually was great he couldn’t help but making her the graphic executive for his company. Yes, Blue light is Chanyeol’s flesh and blood.

Studying IT for four years, he knew that his passion was not being the IT guy behind the desk. He knew his love for creating application and website. With a proper study in his master degree for business and marketing, he learned how to work on his passion and his degree. He started small in the first year and totally created the company with the fund from his father. He’s taking it as a loan no matter how hard his father said that it’s for free. For Chanyeol, his father’s understanding and acceptance about his decision to create his own company was more than enough. But he knew that his father just wanted to participate in the process of making Chanyeol able to be on his own.

Chanyeol never thought that his idea of creating Blue Light would result so well that his loan to his father was paid in two years. The business definitely sold well and he’s getting busy expanding the business as he explored the option to develop it as well. He’s the chairman for the company but since he’s interested more in being involved in the company, he asked his senior Kim Minseok to be the director. He drove the company well and despite small argumentations between them, Chanyeol and Minseok made it for Blue Light. The company now placed as one of the most developed private company in South Korea although they had just established for four years. Definitely the type of achievement he never dreamed before.

“Kyungsoo Sunbae said that he’ll come after lunch. He’s having outside meeting.” Hyeri informed when Chanyeol asked about Kyungsoo’s presence. He need to discuss several other projects with him but couldn’t reach him all the morning.

“Anyway, have you decided who’ll be your date for the annual gala in the next two weeks?” Hyeri jumped into the conversation of event that Chanyeol temporary remembered existing.

“What annual gala?”

“The awarding gala event for brand new company in Seoul.” Hyeri reminded him. He softly nodded, remembered that he should be going to that event because he’s said to give a speech in between stage. It’s actually exciting thing to do, he got the invitation along with Minseok and both of them allowed bringing their partner. Minseok probably would go with his recent girlfriend but him... Chanyeol was still not sure. Maybe he’s going to go alone.

“Are you going with your girlfriend?”

Chanyeol turned to Hyeri as he played with his eyebrows. “What girlfriend?”

Hyeri smiled at him. “Well, maybe you have a secret girlfriend?”

Chanyeol just laughed off the question and continued to walk outside the building. It’s raining previously, so when they’re walking out, the pavement road was slightly wet. He noticed a lot of people walking around the crowded business district in Gangnam, chatting or just simply walking with their eyes locked to the phone in their hand. People nowadays... But then it’s his turned to have his eyes locked to the restaurant across the street.

Go Haeun stood in front of the restaurant he’s about to get into. Hyeri of course didn’t notice the changed that happened to her boss, so Chanyeol took it as a sign to give it a go on Go Haeun. With her with loose blouse tucked inside her black pants and the outstanding Louboutin heels, she looked simply beautiful with her hair made into a messy low bun. She really lived up her name; a God’s grace.

Standing as she’s holding her lunch bag, Haeun crossed her arms and talked with her colleagues. She didn’t look awkward at all when she talked in the middle of the street, waiting to be seated inside the restaurant. Chanyeol stole a glance at her amusing smile. Haeun then laughed as she covered , making Chanyeol recalled his high school moment. It’s just like those good old days...

“Sunbae, let’s get in. We already got the table.” Hyeri’s voice awakened Chanyeol from his own thought. He followed Hyeri, but missed Haeun since she looked away from him. He meant to greet her, but somehow he failed to do so. He thought he could act all cool towards her, but it’s actually harder than he thought it would be.

Chanyeol realized that he’s just a coward for her. Back then and still.

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“Chanyeol... Honey... Aren’t you going to wake up?”

The loud voice of his mother made Chanyeol awakened from his sleep. Half asleep, Chanyeol looked around his room, a bit confused with what happened. The large white room greeted him with a blank space in between. He moved his long legs and accidentally hit his laptop. He sighed as he recalled that last night he must have been fell asleep as he played games. Chanyeol stretched his arms before he took the laptop and saved it from falling to the floor.

“Chanyeol... Baby...” his mother’s voice once again heard from the living room and he knew that if he’s not out from his bed any seconds, she would be here probably patting his so he would wake up.

“Coming!” he replied with his hoarse voice. He gulped the water on the night stand before standing up and walked to the bathroom.

If his room was paint all white, nothing different appeared in his bathroom. Chanyeol like his room clean and organized with a touch of monochrome tone; black and white. His room painted white but put black and white furniture to complete his room. In the bathroom, it’s all the same. His entire male product colored in black. Because he wanted it that way.

Once he washed his face and brushed his teeth, Chanyeol walked out to the living room, finding her mother looking as domestic as she lounged in the kitchen. He noticed several foreign stuffs like three huge plastic bags, brown boxes, and two bottles that he noticed had ginseng inside it. She shook her head when she opened his black large fridge.

“What a bachelor way of life...” she commented before she unpacked one of the plastic bags, revealing four big plastic containers, each filled with food that Chanyeol knew, his mother’s cook.

“Good morning, Madam.” He greeted her as he hugged her from behind, kissing her cheeks. Chanyeol grinned while he pulled away from his mother, she sighed before she pinched his nose.

“Not coming home for two weeks. Where have you been? Do you forget that your mom is still alive?” she said as she took other plastic bags, taking five containers of all foods he loves. Marinated chicken, bulgogi beef, shrimp with red sauce, and the steamed fish he really likes. Chanyeol looked apologetically at his mother, rubbing her shoulder softly.

“I’m sorry. Stuck with work, Mom.” He said as he helped her to open the last plastic bags. This time, it’s fruits and several veggies packed neatly for him only.

“I’m afraid you’ll get sick again, that’s why I made you all of these dishes. It’s all your favorite. We’ve been missing you, Baby.” She said with a pout.

For Chanyeol’s mother, her one and only son meant everything. She took it the hardest way when he decided to live on his own, buying his own apartment. He’s the youngest children and to know that he’s leaving, her mother felt partially sad yet proud, her baby grew up very well. Park Chanyeol has one sibling, an older sister, Park Yura. She’s married with three boys, Han Yunwoo who’s five years old and the twins, Han Seojun and Han Sunwoo, currently two years old. Although his mother got visited by Chanyeol’s sister and her kids, she still felt that it’s not the same without Chanyeol being present there.

Chanyeol was a mommy boy, not because he’s spoiled but more because his mother had difficulty to let him be away from her. He’s the son that his parents always wanted to have, although they’re also very proud with her sister, the successful florist. She’s like a celebrity florist with her own TV show airing every Saturday and never once their family missed the show by watching it together. He knew that their family really supportive towards each other, he missed it though, but then again...he loves his career. He needs to put a balance between those two.

“Honey, how could you live with these stuff?” his mother appointed at several packs of ramyeon on his cupboard. “No ramyeon until you finished my entire cook.” She warned him as she playfully patted on his back.

“Breakfast is ready for you. Grab it.” she said as she appointed the food in the kitchen table.

Chanyeol excitedly looked at the clear soup along with egg and warm steamed rice.

“It’s like a party here...” Chanyeol commented as he took a seat and started digging his precious breakfast. It’s true that living away from our parents might feel better, but spending time with them or simply eat the homemade meal; it’s not something Chanyeol would ever want to barter. He knew he’s growing up, but there’s nothing wrong for a grown up to be the baby boy at home again.

“Can’t you live here, Mom?” Chanyeol said as he enjoyed his best meal of the week.

“Really, you want me to live here? Why don’t you go back home and I’ll make your favorite food every single day?” she said playfully, bringing him the water. His mother took a seat across him, watching Chanyeol excitedly ate his food.

“That’s a joke, of course.” he rolled his eyes, joking around with his mother.

“Hhh... You see, it’s time for you to live with someone...” his mother touched his hair, rubbed on it softly. Chanyeol immediately knew the motive behind her visit to his place. It would only mean one thing...

“I met with Hani’s mother several days ago...” she started as she looked at Chanyeol who continued eating. “Maybe she’s ready to consider marriage now...”

It’s silence. Chanyeol continued to eat like whatever his mother said didn’t matter to him. She waited for seconds before she called him.

“Chanyeol...”

“Due to any respect, Mother. No.” He shook his head. “No more Hani.” He firmly stated.

His mother looked at him with a sad yet hopeful stare.

“She knew her mistakes, Baby. She grieved about losing you for months and it’s been a year already. You’re still single, she’s single as well. Why don’t you try to work-“

Chanyeol shook his head again.

“Mom, please. Not a word about her. Not a word.”

His mother stopped whatever she’s about to say and stayed silent until Chanyeol finished his meal. She knew that he’s not in the mood to talk about his ex-girlfriend so she started to wander around his apartment, checking on the place where her son lived. Chanyeol cleaned up everything and helped his mother to pack the plastic bag. The visit should be shortened since his sister dropped Sunwoo to his mother’s house, so Chanyeol decided to drop her mom before he went out to buy few things he needed.

“I’m sorry if I made you angry earlier...” his mom said when she bid goodbye to her son. Chanyeol nodded and apologize as well for being a bit rude towards his mother.

“Just please do one thing for me, Chanyeol,” she held on his palms, softly caressed it.

“Please just do date someone, Baby. You deserved it. Whatever happened to you in the past, please just start a new life... Okay?” she kissed the top of his head, giving him a side hug before leaving.

Whatever his mother said, it’s easier said than done; so he just nodded in agreement before he got in his car again. Driving mindlessly, he e of his favorite rock songs to accompany the drive. It’s so weird, today was supposed to be calm and relax, but somehow it turned out to be a bit annoying. He sighed, driving while tapped his fingers, looking around the road. It’s sunny outside, but inside, Chanyeol felt so dark and gloomy.    

Chanyeol was not a pro in having relationship, but betrayed once by an affair taught him that there’s no place for betrayal in his life. He’s not gonna forgive her, let alone a chance for her to show up before him.

It’s not gonna happen.

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Chanyeol just realized where he was when he stopped his car and examined the surrounding. It was the area of his high school. He really has no idea why he drove there; he just knew that he wanted to clear his mind from the talk with his mother about Hani, his ex-girlfriend.

Listening to her name made Chanyeol annoyed already. He still despised her, loathed with whatever she did back then. No matter how deep her regret was, no matter how sorry she was he chose to turn blind over her effort to talk with him again. She betrayed him and that’s enough for him to just walk away. She’s not the one for him.

Chanyeol and Hani started as two love birds when he saw her in one of the runway she’s attending. It’s love at first sight he should say, they quickly matched with each other although most of the time they’re just fooling around. It really took them small effort to drive the relationship; they dated after three weeks of hanging out. Chanyeol felt that it’s the happiest relationship he ever had but apparently she didn’t feel the same.

It’s one of those days when Hani went out of the country for work, having a pictorial for magazine cover. She’s in Bali that time and Chanyeol planned to surprise her. It’s him who got surprised though, because there’s another man waiting for her during the photo shoot. She’s having affair behind his back and simply blamed his busy schedule as the reason. He didn’t even try to make her explained fully about everything; it’s the end for them. And after that, Chanyeol never met any other woman which made his mother worried over him. She’s afraid that he’s having a trauma, scared of being in a relationship again. But truth was he’s just not feeling ready to start one because he has not yet found the woman he wanted.

Parking his car, Chanyeol walked away from his car as he breathed the fresh air and enjoyed the sun that greeted his skin. He’s a little pale, result of spending too many times inside the building. He missed those times walking or running around open space in the weekend, thing that he had been neglecting for work. He made a mental note to start doing it again regularly. He loves working and enjoying lots of activities, but if he’s sick, it has no point.

Chanyeol smiled as he found the basketball field next to his school was still there. There’s no one playing recently and he spotted the balls there. Stretching his arms, Chanyeol decided to just playing around. If he got lucky, he might find someone to join him but for now, he’s going to enjoy it by himself.

Having a tall body actually made him easily picked as the basketball team, but back in high school, Chanyeol was a geek fat boy that although he loves to play basketball in his house, no one even bother to ask him playing together at school because they thought that he’s incapable to move around with his fat body. So Chanyeol chose to play after school, alone. It’s not a nice memory of high school he had, but if there’s anything he would want to repeat back in time, probably the moment he played basketball all alone with the view from across the park.

Chanyeol shook his head when he successfully scored for the tenth time. He’s thinking about her again, the high school memory. He took the ball and dribbled it several times as he ran around the field but before he passed it to the ring; he stopped whatever he’s doing and narrowed his eyes. He really wanted to believe it’s true; it’s real, but then again... Chanyeol decided to recheck it, slowly walked to the border of the field with the grassy park.

Right in front of his eyes, he saw Go Haeun sitting there with her dark shade on while reading the book on her lap. She wore a short and a loose shirt, putting full concentration on the page, ignoring the sun that’s shining above her. She seemed comfortable with herself that Chanyeol couldn’t help but watching her in awe. It’s like he’s travelling through the time as he stood there, looking at her without she knowing.

Stalker. He always addressed whatever he’s doing to her as stalking activity. But he didn’t deny that no matter how pathetic it sounded, still, it’s such a nice thing to do, watching Go Haeun from a far. Because Park Chanyeol knew more than anyone, he didn’t have enough guts to just come over her and talked to her, like so many guys in his school did. He could only look at her, smiling when he saw her smiled and keeping it as a memory while he walked back home.

A loud sound was heard as Chanyeol felt his face burned. A sting of pain on his skin signed him that something was off. He kneeled on the ground, hissed as he touched his cheek. It’s hot.

“Hyung, sorry... “ an awkward voice was heard when a boy, smaller than Chanyeol, kneeled in front of him and said sorry several times.

“I was started to learn how to throw a basketball and it’s accidentally hit you...” he explained with a low voice, ashamed with his inability to even throw the ball.

Chanyeol grinned at the boy who reminded him of the younger version of himself. It hurt, sure, but he didn’t want this one mistake turned the boy pessimist with what he could do.

“It’s okay. Just practice carefully, okay?”

“Is it really okay? Should I call my mother to bring you to the hospital?” he asked again. Chanyeol shook his head.

“It’s okay.” He assured the boy.

“But it’s red and there’s a scratch in your cheek...” he appointed Chanyeol’s cheeks. It’s so hurt, he knew, but he just shook his head.

“I’m okay. You can go play again.” Chanyeol said.

In the end, the boy bowed apologetically before he started playing again. Chanyeol just sighed, feeling like he’s been pulled to reality when he got the punch. Ah yeah, maybe that’s the sign. He shook his head before he looked across the park again, finding the fact that Haeun was standing with bag in her hand and talking to a guy. They seemed to argue but in the end smiling to each other.

Chanyeol didn’t miss the side hug she got from the guy, informing their intimate level. He watched them walking together towards the car and as the guy helped to close Haeun’s door side, he knew that there’s no way Go Haeun left without any guy around her. She’s the guy magnet; everyone would always need second look when it came to her.

Half chuckling to himself, Chanyeol bit the inside of his cheek. How could he dare to ask her putting his number on her phone and wishing her to call him? It didn’t work that way though. He felt like he’s becoming the teenage version of himself again; all awkward and far from confident. He should end his fantasy of knowing her more than just a client-supplier relationship and stick to the plan, keeping her in the past. He sighed as he looked at his phone. She’s not going to call him, not in the past, not now, never.  

In fact, it would be the end of the world if it ever happened.

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Park Chanyeol’s world evolved around himself. He’s never really paying attention towards anything aside from his hobby and his books. He’s pretty much a bookworm and following his nerdy look, he’s quickly labeled as dork by his schoolmates. In a boy only school, this kind of stuff was a bit scary for male have tendency to be the lead, showing how strong he is and usually taking victims; which are the dorks. But Chanyeol glad it didn’t happen at his school.

East Bridge Boy School was one of the most prestigious private schools. There’s no such thing as bullying, but as their hormones were boiled back then, boys tend to show off about their ability in sports such as basketball, soccer, or even golf. The school mainly filled with students from wealthy background, the place for high profile families to build networking. It’s a bit scary to learn the fact that business owners already build their relationship started with sending their children to the same school, just to keep the friendship or business partnership lasted. This partnership of course not only worked with same school student but also with their neighbor, West Bridge Girl School.

It was not a secret that a lot of students from these schools dated and even married to each other, protecting their families’ line. It’s really a political place, no matter how hard the PR of two schools told public that there’s no such a thing. It’s hard to clear the image when every year the marriage news came from those families who sent their kids to school there. Although they might meet each other outside the country, still, the education background would be the same.

For he’s not that good in sports and even in dating, Park Chanyeol grew his own hobby of playing puzzle or just simply reading at the library. One of the things he likes in the school was that the school taught him so many things, still, he could choose whatever he wanted to learn or wished to understand. And his friends, he felt grateful to have a wide range of friends. From the Casanova to the equally dork friend like him, he has it.  He made a lot of friends in school, erasing his mother’s worry of being an outcast. Chanyeol was not the one.

But he couldn’t hide his interest with basketball. He likes it, but too bad, the school team wouldn’t take him to join the club. So in the end, Chanyeol could only play it at home or at the park near his school, all alone. He didn’t mind though, he learned by watching his friends during sports class and practiced on his own when it’s still possible.  He found that it’s good for his body as well, helped him maintain to lose some weight although he still looked fat and flabby.

Chanyeol never thought that one day there would be a day when he could find a miracle. He didn’t believe in such a thing like luck or miracle, or even magic, although he enjoyed those magic tricks and shows. It was one of the days when he came to the park to practice basketball. He always there alone and usually there’s no one in the park across the field. That day, something different happened.

The girl was there, sitting on the bench as she ate her chocolate, eating it with such a hurry. He watched her, thinking that she must have been so hungry to eat her chocolate like that. He paid attention to her acts, she quickly ate the chocolate bar, walked to the furthest trash bin and threw the packaging there. She drank the water again and when she’s done looking at her reflection in the mirror, she took out her magazine and read it until a car came for her. She acted so noble when she walked to the car, so graceful, Chanyeol thought what happened to the girl who ate the chocolate earlier. He thought it’s just one of a random thing that happened.

But he started to feel different when he kept seeing her day by day. He always watched her from a far, never once trying to cross the field to meet her in the park. She sometimes alone, sometimes accompanied by her friends. She read a book; listen to music, or jus t write in her journal. And every single day, he knew what she’s doing when she’s there in the park. What was once a coincidence turned to be a routine for him.

The girl basically did nothing with him but she made him looking forward for the next day. He always excited to get to the field; practicing while stole a glance at her. He would end his practice when she’s home as well. He felt like she’s his spirit, supporting him without her knowing. She’s his muse and he started to get curious at her. He knew from her uniform that she’s West Bridge student, but he had no idea how to get to know about her. And Chanyeol knew that there’s no way he would be brave enough to walk to her and asked her name. No, it’s too much for him.  

So he just waiting for his guts to appear, that one day he could walk to her and ask her name. That she would for once turned around and found him looking at her. And for once, he hoped that there’s magic to help him get to know her.

Chanyeol kept waiting, and in the end, wasting his time to get to know the girl whom he had been watching for three months. Time passed so fast, in a blink of his eyes, it’s almost final examination and of course, graduation time.

He’s soon wouldn’t see this girl anymore.

“Heejin is going to ask a girl for a date, he wants us to support him.”

That’s the only explanation Chanyeol got from his classmates when he’s brought to one of the cafes around their school. He didn’t know that his friends started to try to get a girl; feeling the brotherhood, he just came to the rescue, showing support. When they arrived at the cafe, it’s so obvious that half of his class were there. Seemed like Heejin really need support, three tables filled with girls probably be the cause of it, which Chanyeol thought as the friends of the girl that Heejin going to ask out.

Checking on the uniform, it’s the West Bridge school uniform. Chanyeol partly hoped that the girl was there too. He watched them carefully, trying to look for the sign he knew about the girl in the park. He didn’t know her name, but for sure, he’s so going to notice her if she’s in this same room with him.

“Checking out the girls, Park?” Mino said as he nudged his elbow to Chanyeol’s shoulder. He looked to his classmate on the first year, shaking his head slowly.

“Why? There should be one for you as well.” Mino patted his upper arm. “Not mean to belittle you... But if you like those dorky girls, tell me. I’ll help to arrange meeting with her. Okay?”

Chanyeol rolled his eyes and just drank the root beer. What he’s looking for was not there and the rest of the event didn’t excite him a bit. He just ignored the others who are trying to make a move on the girls there. No girls would be interested to get to know him, so Chanyeol just observing the surrounding, playing with his fingers on the table. Heejin finally got the courage to go up on stage and performed a classical piano performance. Chanyeol couldn’t believe that by that simple act, the girl said yes to go out with Heejin. He was left baffled to see Heejin and the girl, stealing a glance to each other. He didn’t think he could do that, not even close to it.

Boys and girls started to play around in the cafe, chatting while trying to get to know each other; but Chanyeol didn’t feel like he fit in so he remained seated, alienated from his surroundings. All of his friends trying to move around, he knew at least he should do something, but he failed to do so. After waiting for another ten minutes, he decided to call it a night. Chanyeol bid goodbye to his friends, he didn’t feel surprise at all when none of them bothered to make him stay. It’s not his zone.

Chanyeol was opening the door right when someone tried to open it from the other side, he let it opened but then he frozen. Like a solid rock, Chanyeol didn’t move a bit as he watched his favorite person in the world appeared in front of him. The girl in the park walked inside the cafe and looked around, trying to find her friends. He was just standing there as he watching her while the girl, just like any other day, didn’t see him. It seemed like the two of them never meant to be in the same place, finding each other.

“You came!”

A voice broke the silence in Chanyeol’s head. Through his glasses, he followed the girl who’s now smiling widely as she met her friends. She started to talk with her friends and for Chanyeol; it’s the most beautiful sound he ever heard. The way she bounced her body, the way her hair fell perfectly on her shoulder, he’s smiteten by her.

“Dude, what are you doing here?” Mino once again nudged at Chanyeol. He looked at Chanyeol who stood at the door like a guard.

“Huh?”

“Aren’t you going home?”

“Erma. Yeah” Chanyeol said in a hoarse voice. Darn, he just saw the girl and he lost his voice already. Wow, the effect she had in him...

“Mino, come here!” one of the girls that surrounded the girl called Mino and after waving a good bye at Chanyeol, Mino walked to her.

“Hey, Go Haeun!”

She looked around to see Mino and what happened next made Chanyeol felt like he’s getting nausea. Go Haeun, the girl, smiled at his direction. It was like the most beautiful smile Chanyeol ever seen and although it’s not directed to him, he felt like she finally saw him and greeted him. He suddenly wished he’s as confident as Mino and Heejin. He wished he could walk across the room and called her name, introducing his name, talking for a while, and in the end, taking her hand for a dance with him. Park Chanyeol really wished he had the guts to do that. Of course that’s only in his mind. He savored the memory well in his head about the girl in the park.

Go Haeun, she really lived up to her name; a God’s grace.

And from that night, she’s Chanyeol’s grace.

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Graduation day came in seconds, leaving the stress after final exam forgotten. All of them successfully graduated from the killer exam and planned to continue to university. In the middle of the university entrance preparation, came as well the graduation night that has two main events: the brotherhood gathering and the Ball. As it’s boy school, clearly the brotherhood feeling was thicker than ever. There’d be a night where they could celebrate the brotherhood that would last forever. No matter what, they had been together for three years, giving them a chance to be close to each other. And as for the Ball... It’s not a secret that it’s one of the nights that had been waited by the entire school. As tradition, East Bridge Boy School celebrated the graduation night with a dance with girls from West Bridge Girl School. The unique thing about it was not how the boys should ask the girls to go to the ball with them. It’s set, paired randomly by both school committee. So every boys and every girls already had their partner, all they need to do was confirm it and meet at the Ball. And that’s what made the school so busy; everyone’s getting excited to get the envelope.

The invitation for the ball sent to all students, with the name and the class of their partner listed there. It’s a big revelation for them, since they were all curious about their date. And for Chanyeol, it’s a big day too although he didn’t really care about it. He’s not picky; he just hoped his partner would be nice enough to him since he already planned what he wanted to do at the Ball: talking with Go Haeun.

When Chanyeol walked to the class, the boys already busy with the invitation. It’s sent and the class talked about it. They shared their invitation information, groans heard whenever they got a hot and beautiful date; but sighs weren’t missing too, when the date weren’t what they wished for.

“I got Jung Hana!” one of Chanyeol’s friends excitedly yelled.

Chanyeol smiled to himself, people seemed to get lucky. He’s a bit nervous himself too, excited while a bit scared to open the invitation. What if the girl dislikes him in instant? What if he didn’t get a date? So many things ran in his mind, but he decided to just be cool about it.

Silently opened his own envelope, Chanyeol found the details of the Ball from date, time, place, and the dress code. He’s left with the second paper that revealed his date name. He almost didn’t believe what he saw. Three letters printed in the middle of the paper really made him speechless.

Go Haeun.

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