Jaemin's POV:
I immediately run to Ryujin's room when I reached the hospital. I saw Yoon Su infront of her room, panicking. I looked around and saw a lot of nurses panicking too. It looks like something happened. I looked inside Ryujin's and room but she's not there
"Where's Ryujin?" My heart is beating so fast. I'm starting to conclude things. What if someone took her?
"She suddenly disappeared just now, they're now checking the CCTV footage" Yoon Su said while calling someone on his phone
She suddenly disappeared? It's impossible for her to disappear alone because she's still unconscious. I'm sure that someone took her
I immediately called Mrs. Lee and Haechan to tell them what happened. They're now on their way here together with the other Elites. I'm now searching for her and asking for some patients if they saw her by showing her picture but none of them saw her
"Where are you, Ryujin-ah?" I whisphered to myself with tears on the corner of my eyes
I was about to left the hospital when someone approached me. He's on the same age as my father
"I saw the girl you're looking for. She's in the rooftop" he said
"Really? Who's with her? Is she okay?" I asked desperately, I even held his arms unconsciously
"She's alone and I think she's fine"
"Thank you, sir" I was about to leave when he spoke
"Please take care of her, she deserve everything in this world" he meaningfully said and smiled. That's when I realized that he looks familliar
"I-I love your daughter, s-sir" I said nervously which made him stop from walking. He slowly turned to me and smiled
"I know that's why I'm asking you to take care of her. She's already immune to pain but please don't break her heart" he said and patted my back "You're handsome like me so I like you for her"
"E-Eh?" I asked confusedly
I already adopted Ryujin's favorite line
"I'm just kidding, go and talk to her. Bring this umbrella with you, it's going to rain. Don't tell her that you met me here" he said and left
"Thank you sir!" I shouted even though I'm confused why he doesn't want Ryujin to know that he's here. I thought they already talked
I immediately go inside the elevator and waited for it to reach the 30th. I feel like this is the longest time of my life. I'm wondering why she's already awake but I'm so happy to know that she's now fine
The moment the elevator opened I immediately go to the rooftop and looked for her. The rooftop is so big that's why I had a hard time to find her
The garden suddenly flashed on my mind. Ryujin never mentioned it but I noticed that she likes going to garden so much. I always see her sleeping on District 9's garden so it's possible that she's in rooftop's garden too
I immediately go to the garden and looked around. The tears started to form on the corner of my eyes once again when I saw her sitting and leaning her head on the back of the bench just like what she always do. Her eyes were closed just like always
The rain started to fall. The people on the rooftop immediately run inside the hospital except her and me. She just remained on her position even though the rain is getting heavier. I opened the umbrella and approached her. I covered her using the umbrella that her father gave me. I'm now soaked in rain but I don't care. I'm just happy that she's now infront of me and fine
"Happy Birthday, Ryujin-ah" I said with tears starting to fall from my eyes
She slowly opened her eyes and looked at me in the eyes. She looks so shocked to see me. She immediately stood up, held the umbrella and moved it to protect me from the rain
"Are you crazy? Do you want to get sick?" she angrily said which made me cry even more. I stared at her face and noticed her bruises
How can she think of me at times like this?
I grabbed her closer to me and hugged her. Even though I can't see her face, I can tell that she's flustered because of what I did
"I-I'm sorry, I-I'm really sorry"
The tears started to fall from my eyes continuously
"I already know everything. I'm sorry for saying those words to you. I'm sorry for hurting your feelings for so many times. I'm sorry for judging you immediately. I'm sorry, I'm really sorry" I continuously said and caress her hair
"And also thank you, thank you for waking up. You don't know how afraid I was while thinking that you will disappear on me. I thought I will never have the chance to say my feelings for you"
"W-What do you mean?" she asked
I wiped my tears and broke our hug. I held her face and looked at it with full of admiration
"I can't hide what I feel for you anymore. I've come to know that the comfort you give is my home. I'm sorry for realizing it too late..."
I held her hand and placed it on my left chest where she can feel my heartbeat
"Do you feel it? I don't know why and how you made this heart beat for you that fast. I don't know how you made me fell for you in just a short span of time but I don't care. I will let it beat if it's for you"
"J-Jaemin-ah"
"I'm inlove with you Ryujin-ah"
She looks so shocked when I said that. She looks so happy but she can't express it as I see the doubts in her eyes
"I don't know how to believe you. I'm scared. What if your feelings for me weren't true? What if you're just feeling like this because I looked like her. What if she woke up right now and you'll suddenly realize that you're still inlove with her? What if I experience the same pain again? What if---"
I can see the fear and doubt on her eyes while saying those words. I want to prove to her that I'm really inlove with her but I don't know how so I grabbed her waist, held her face and kissed her. That kiss is just a gentle kiss but I made sure that she will feel what I feel for her through that kiss
Her face is now blushing which made me smile
"You're my first kiss and I will never regret that I gave it to you" I said and held her chin to make her face me "Tell me, was that enough to prove my feelings for you? If not, then I'm willing to give you another kis---"
"N-No, it's enough. I believe you" she panicked which made me laugh
"So how are you? Are you now okay?" I asked and checked her head
"It still hurts but I can handle it" she said and smiled
"Then we can start dating by tomorrow?" I asked so she immediately gave me a death glare
"Are you crazy? You just took my first kiss without my permission and now you want us to date immediately by tomorrow?" she said with her hands on her waist like a mom scolding her son
"Why? I didn't complained when you told me that you like me even though I'm wondering how you fell inlove with me that fast and also, don't tell me you don't want me as your first kiss?" I fired back which made her silent
"B-But are you sure that you want to date me? How about Ji Eun? Don't you think we need wait for her to wake up and ask for her permission?" she worriedly asked. I know that she's just concerned about Ji Eun but I don't think I need Ji Eun's permission to our relationship
"She cheated on me so I don't I need to get her permission to this. It's also not my fault that I fell inlove with you" I said and held her hand "I just think that it's now or never. If I don't hold your hand right now then I don't think I can still have the chance to hold it again"
She smiled at me and patted my head which gave me a strange feeling. I feel like I'm the happiest person right now. I don't feel anything right now but happiness
"You will always have the chance to hold my hand as long as I'm inlove with you" she said which made my heart beat so fast
"I love you, Ryujin-ah" I unconsciously said while staring at her face with full of love and admiration
She looked at me and smiled
"Please don't break my heart" she said and hugged me "I don't think I can handle it especially if it's you, Jaemin-ah" she said and I felt the tears on her eyes so I hugged her back and gently caress her hair
"I can't promise you anything, Ryujin-ah. But I will ask you to trust me. Just trust me and my love for you. I will never break your heart on purpose because I love you" I broke our hug and wiped the tears on her eyes
"I will make you believe in love again" I kissed her forehead and smiled
"I will always stay by your side from now on" she said and smiled
That smile of her that will tell you how confident she is that she will fulfill what she said
"Let's go back now, they're all worried for you" I said and held her hand. We was about to go when we saw Haechan standing near us. None of us noticed he's presence. He looked at us with his emotionless eyes. He stared at our hands and looked away
"I'm glad you're now awake, Ryujin-ah. They're downstairs and waiting for you" he said and walked away
I can tell that he's not happy about what he saw. I know that he knows what he saw means. I know that he's against us but I don't care. He's one of the bridge that brought me to this situation
"Haechan is surely mad" Ryujin worriedly said
"It's just normal, he will accept it soon" I said and was about to drag her to the elevator when she suddenly stopped me
"I prefer using the escalator" she said and smiled awkwardly
It's kinda weird but I never saw her using an elevator. Maybe I should get used to riding an escalator from now on
"Let's keep this secret until Ji Eun wakes up. I don't think I can let them understand the situation without Ji Eun. I don't want them to criticize you" I said
We're still holding each other's hand
"I understand" she said and smiled at me
She later on grabbed the umbrella from my hand and looked at it with her brows furrowed
"Where did you get this?"
"I just saw it from the hotel" I lied since her stepfather asked me not to tell her that he's here earlier
"Really?" she asked
"Yeah, why?"
"Nothing. It's just familliar to me" she said and gave it back to me
We let go of each other's hand when we reached the floor where her room is located
"What are they all doing here?" Ryujin asked in disbelief while looking at the Elites standing infront of her room. All of them are here except Mr. And Mrs. Hwang my dad, and Lia
"You'll know once you face them" I said and held her shoulder and gently push her
"R-Ryujin-ah" Sunghoon said which grabs the attention of others. They immediately stood up and approached her. Ryujin looks so confused why they're all crying so she looked at me. I just gave her a smile
They immediately gave her a hug while crying. I stepped back so I can give them space. I looked around to find Haechan and saw him leaning on the wall infront of Ryujin's room with his eyes closed and airpods on his ears. He's doing this when something is bothering him or when he's mad
The Elites started to apologize to Ryujin one by one, including Yeji. It became an emotional moment for all of us. Even Mrs. Kim, Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Park and my mom cried too and thanked her
We're now here at Ryujin's room. They're now telling Ryujin how they found out the truth. Ryujin was just listening to them silently. All of the Elites are surrounding her like she's a treasure that they want to protect. I'm just standing at the corner and watching them. Especially Sunghoon who's now holding Ryujin's arm and looking at her bruises. I want to be jealous but I realized that there's nothing to be worried about
Because she's already mine
I wish I can tell freely that Ryujin is now mine but I can't. I have to wait for Ji Eun to wake up before I tell them about my relationship with Ryujin. Only few people knew that Ji Eun and I already broke up. I don't think they will understand me if suddenly tell them about it right now. Especially the Kim's. Taehyung, Younghoon and Haruto like Ryujin so much and I don't want them to hate her that's why I want to settle everything once Ji Eun woke up
The lights suddenly turned off. The door opened and it shows Beomgyu carrying a cake for Ryujin. They all started singing happy birthday to Ryujin. Ryujin looks so shocked
"Happy Birthday to you~" they all started to clap
Beomgyu placed the cake infront of her and lit the candles. Ryujin smiled the moment she saw Beomgyu
"Can't believe that you're already awake. Are you even a human?" Beomgyu asked which made us laugh
"True, the doctor said it might took you three days to wake up but how come you're already awake?" Chaeryeong asked
"Why does it looks like you're not happy that she's already awake?" Mark said which made us laugh
"I had a good dream and I guess, that good dream woke me up" she said and looked at me. I don't know what dream she's talking about but I just smiled back at her and stepped closer to her bed
"Make a wish" I said
Ryujin looked at us one by one and looked away
"Can you please close your eyes while I'm wishing? It's so awkward to wish while you are all looking at me" she said, blushing
We all laughed and they all closed their eyes just like she said except me. I just stared at her while she's making her wish
I never thought that this time will come
Where I can look at you with full of admiration whatever you do
I smiled unconsciously when I saw her whiskers dimples when she scrunched her nose. But smile faded when I saw Haechan behind Sunghoon smiling while staring at her
I don't want to conclude things but that smile on his face is very familiar
That smile on his face that I never thought has a deep meaning
That smile on his face that I never thought would destroyed our friendship someday
That smile on his face that led us to this situation
I hope I'm wrong because I don't want to be in the same situation again. Not you again, Haechan-ah
Because I will never let you repeat the same mistake again
Especially if it's her
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After that night me and the other young elites decided to go back to District 9 to surprise Ryujin a grand birthday party. Ryujin needs to stay for another day in the hospital. She has no clue that we already left. Haechan, Mrs. Lee and Beomgyu stayed with her in Daegu Hospital
I am now on my way to mall together with Sunghoon to buy a personal gift for her when I received a text message from Beomgyu
Handsome Beomgyu:
Ryujin will appreciate it no matter what you give. But if you're going to ask me what I want, let's just say that I want a hoodie jacket. Haechan already gave me one so why don't you gave me one too?
I laughed while reading Beomgyu's message. He's so chaotic
I asked for his number before we left. He's the one who set his name to 'Handsome Beomgyu'. He already know that Ryujin and I are now dating. He's so happy when he heard it and even got emotional. But after that he grabbed my collar and threatened me that he's going to hunt me if I hurt her
I already decided what gift I will give to her. I thought about it while we're on the plane
"Why camera?" I asked when I saw what he picked for his gift for Ryujin
"I heard from Beomgyu that Ryujin loves to take pictures of her surroundings but she stopped when her mom accidentally dropped her camera so I think it's a good idea to give her a new one" he explained
"Good idea" I said while nodding
He chose the most expensive one. He also bought another one for himself
We're now heading to a crafting shop to buy some materials for my gift to Ryujin
"Why here?" Sunghoon confusedly asked
"I'm planning to knit a scarf for her since winter is coming" I said while picking a color that I think would suit her
"Woah, you're really inlove" Sunghoon said while laughing
"Yes I am" I answered which made him laugh so hard
Sunghoon is the first person that I told about my relationship with Ryujin. I trust him that's why I told him about it. I can see that he's happy for the both of us. I also told him that I need to keep our relationship secret until Ji Eun woke up and he agreed with it since he's also thinking the same thing about Ryujin. That people in District 9 will criticized her
The red color of yarn caught my attention. That night when Ryujin was on her rage mode because of Giselle she took off her hoodie jacket and it shows her red sleeveless top. I never said this before but she looks so attractive that time. The color red suits her very much
I decided to pick the brightest color of red. The same color of the sleeveless top she wears that night
After that we headed to a furniture store where I ordered a moon lamp. The manager of the furniture immediately recognized me since my mom is a V.I.P costumer here
"Here's your moon lamp sir" she turned it on and I can't stop myself from admiring the beauty of it. The designs is all detailed
"Wow, I never thought that moon lamp like this exists" Sunghoon said and was about to touch the moon lamp but I stopped him
"It's for her, not for you" I said which made him and the manager laugh
"This is probably for Ms. Ji Eun. It's been a long time since the last time I saw both of you here" the manager said which ruined my mood
"It's not for her" I tried to smile nicely at her
"Oh I'm sorry sir, I thought this is for Ms. Ji Eun"
"It's okay"
Sunghoon noticed that my mood was ruined so he patted my back
"You can't blame her, everyone knows that you're still in a relationship with her" he said
"I know and I kinda felt sorry for Ryujin because of that"
"I know Ryujin, for sure she will understand. She's more matured than us"
"You're right"
We later on decided to go to the last stop. At Tiffany and Co.
"I didn't know that you will put a lot of effort in this" Sunghoon said while looking at some earrings
"I just want to make her happy, she did a lot of things for me" I said while remembering those times that he helped me and showed me her kindness
There's a lot of girls staring at us in the store. Most of the costumers here are girls. A sales lady approached me and asked me what I want
"I want a moon necklace" I said
"Moon again?" Sunghoon asked
"Yeah, the moon reminds me of Ryujin" I said
The lady guided us to the necklace section and brought out ten boxes of necklaces. I looked at it one by one. It's all silver necklaces and all of it are so common to me not until when I saw the last box. It's a white full-half marble moon
The moment I saw it I immediately thought that it would suit her really well
"I'll choose this one"
"It's actually a couple necklace sir," she brought out another box of necklace which contains the same kind of pendant but in black color
"I'll take it" I said while admiring the unique design of the pendant
(Photo for reference ☝️)
I'm currently paying for the necklaces that I bought when I received a text message from Ryujin
Ryujin 🐰:
I'm already discharged now, I am now here in my mom's grave together with Beomgyu and Haechan. Can you come over? I want to introduce you to my mom
I already visited her mom's grave together with the other elites before we left Daegu. I also already introduced myself to her but we didn't stayed that long there since we already need to leave
I want to visit her mom's grave with her but I can't. She still has no idea that we're no longer there in Daegu. I decided to not reply to her. I want her to be really surprised once she get back
We later on decided to go home. I hid all my gifts for Ryujin in Sunghoon's room since my mom and dad will surely question me about those gifts
Speaking of dad, he locked Lia on her room. He took all her gadgets and prohibited her from going outside and meeting Sunwoo. We're also not allowed to talk to her. I understand that this is the consequences of what she did but I still can't stop myself from worrying about her that's why I'm secretly visiting her room at night to check on her but she's always sleeping. She's always tired from crying
Sunwoo tried to visit my sister once but he failed because my dad prohibited him to come into our mansion. Even though that happened, my dad still haven't cancelling their engagement which made me think that he has no plans on cancelling their engagement
People from District 9 started to criticize Sunwoo and his family. I want to confront and hurt Sunwoo so bad but there's part of me saying that I need to hear his side that's why I tried to talk to him personally once but he just ignored me and got mad at me instead. He keeps on saying that it's all my dad's fault and that he didn't want all of this to happen. I don't know what he meant by that that's why I got mad at him and almost punched him. Luckily, Sunghoon came and stopped me
"Where did you go?" Dad asked when I get home
"Mall" I shortly said and was about to go upstairs when he suddenly spoke
"I already know where your sister is"
I froze up on my position when I heard that. I looked at mom and she looks so scared for my sister. Even though she's not telling anything, I can tell that dad is planning to bring her back here in District 9
"Can you please let her do whatever she wants?" I said
"What did you just say?" Dad asked in a serious tone. I immediately felt the fear when our eyes met but I tried my best not to break our eye contact
"Don't you think it's useless to bring her back here? Everyone in District 9 knows what happened that night. You will just let her ruin your reputation again once you bring her back here" I lied. I just don't want him to bring her back here. Even though I can't see her I can tell that she's now happy. I'm holding on to her promise that she will go back here and save us from this hell
"Well you have a point" I didn't expect his response. I'm expecting him to be mad at me "I don't need her anyway since you're still here"
"H-Hon--"
"I have a business to fix in Myeong-Dong. I will be gone in three days. Don't even think of doing something that is against my will because you know what will happen. Ryujin's threat against me is already useless since Mr. Kim asked her to delete that video. You should thank her that you tasted a glimpse of freedom because everything will be back to normal starting tomorrow so you'd better watch your moves or I'll beat you up to death" he smiled at us before he left with her secretary
I clenched my fist, trying myself not to punch him. I immediately punched the wall out of anger when he totally left. My mom immediately trembled in fear so I approached her and hugged her
"I-I'm scared, he's going to hurt us again" she said with tears on her eyes
"Shh don't worry mom, I'll protect you"
I keep on saying that I will protect them but I really don't have the courage to go against my dad. I'm just a coward who always take his punishment for my mom and sisters. I'm good at everything but I'm weak and don't have the courage to fight back to him
He's my biggest nightmare ever since I was a child. And up until now, I still don't know how to wake up from this nightmare
Because up until now, I don't have the courage
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It's already 3PM when I woke up. I slept late because I'm busy on crocheting the scarf that I will give to Ryujin
After I took a bath I immediately get changed and go to Lee's mansion to help on preparing for Ryujin's Grand birthday party. I'm shocked when I saw Yeji there, helping the maids to prepare Ryujin's dress
"Oh? What are you doing here?" I asked
"A thousand saints possessed her after Ryujin saved her that's why she suddenly became like this" Chaeryeong said who's currently preparing Ryujin's accessories for later
"I just want this day to be super special for her. I want to return all the kindness and patience she gave to me" Yeji said
"Wow, keep it up" Sunghoon suddenly came out of nowhere with Jay, Younghoon and the other elites
"Oh, you're all here?"
"Yeah, we're here since 9AM. We're actually waiting for you, you sleepyhead" Taehyung also came out of nowhere carrying a big box of gift
He looks so okay now. He's now smiling like before but I can sense that there's something wrong with him. I'm actually expecting him to be more miserable since my sister and him have been together for almost six years. But I'm quite happy that he's now okay, it's all my sister's fault anyways. I wonder what he's feeling right now. I felt bad for him
We spent our time on preparing a performance gift for Ryujin. This was all Younghoon's idea. It's kinda embarrassing to do this but I don't want to be KJ so I also participated
Mark was assigned to play the piano while Younghoon is assigned to play the violin. Chaeryeong, Yeji and Yuna was assigned to do a dance presentation while Taehyung is singing. We're having a hard time to find a vocalist when Taehyung came together with Lia. Everyone was so shock to see my sister because they thought she's still grounded
"L-Let me be incharge on the vocal together with Taehyung-oppa" she said without looking at us
"That's a great idea!" Sunghoon shouted to boost her confidence
"I'm still mad at you but I will forget about that just for this day because we need a vocalist like you" Chaeryeong said
We continued practicing for the presentation. Jay, Haruto, Niki, Sunghoon, Juyeon and I are incharge on giving roses to her one by one. I heard that's what they called 18 roses since she's 18 years old. I don't how they're going to fill the 18 roses with just all of us but Haruto said he will handle it
After the rehearsal I received a text message from Beomgyu saying that they've already arrived at District 9's airport. We immediately go back to our mansions and get changed
I decided to wear a black turtle neck and a black suit. I made sure that it's on the same color as Ryujin's dress since her dress was all plain black. It reminds of the night when we celebrated Mr. Lee's recovery. We're the only ones wearing white that time. My mom even told me that Ryujin looks so pure in white
The party will start in 8PM and it's already quarter to eight. I waited for my mom and my sisters downstairs when I received a text message from Ryujin
Ryujin 🐰:
So this is the reason why you didn't visited me
I laughed when I read her text because I can tell that she's emotionless right now
To Ryujin 🐰:
Can't wait to see u
"Why are you smiling like an idiot there?" Yuna said
I didn't noticed that they're already here. I immediately hid my phone and act like nothing happened
"Let's go?"
"D-Don't you think it's embarrassing for me to come to her birthday party?" Lia suddenly said while playing her hands
"You can just stay here if you want to, no one is forcing you to come. I can stay with you here" my mom gently said while caressing her hair
"Don't you think you should worry about how you're going to apologize to her instead of worrying about your embarrassment?" I calmly said. I'm not saying this to hurt her, I'm saying this for her to learn how to fix her mistake
"Oppa was right, you owe her an apologize" Yuna said and held her hand "Don't worry about what other people says, you have me. I can knock them out by my own hand"
I immediately gave her a death glare and she started to laugh and gave me a peace sign which made Lia and mom laugh
We later on decided to go to Lee's mansion with some of our bodyguards. I looked around and I'm kinda surprised that a lot of people from District 9 was here
"Yow! Brother-in-law!" Beomgyu suddenly came out of nowhere carrying a wine. He's wearing a gray suit and a red necktie. He looks so handsome that he grabs the attention of othe people from District 9 since they're not familiar with him
"You look great"
"Of course I am, people here are blessed to see a handsome guy like me" he proudly said while stroking his hair. I just laughed at him when I noticed that he's already tipsy since he's already blushing. He probably has a low alcohol tolerance
"Jaemin! Here!" Taehyung shouted while waving from their table. I smiled at him but my smile slowly faded when I saw a girl sitting beside him
"As expected from the prince of Dream High Academy" Heejin said, pertaining to me
"Oh you're also here" I said and smiled at her
"Wait--who is she?" Yuna asked pertaining to the girl beside Taehyung
"She's Jennie, my girlfriend" Taehyung said which made my jaw dropped. I looked at his girlfriend and noticed how sweet they're to each other
"I'm Jennie" his girlfriend said and smiled at us
At one look, you can tell that she also comes from a rich family not just because of her expensive clothes but also at the way she moves. She's so elegant and she looks so expensive
I looked at Taehyung with my brows furrowed. I can't believe that he found a replacement to my sister that easily. Our eyes met and there, I saw the sadness and pain on his eyes. His smiling at us but his eyes are telling different
I'm sure he's still inlove with my sister
"Please welcome, the star of the night..." the emcee said which grabs our attention
The lights suddenly turned off so we can't see anything
"Ms. Shin Ryujin"
The spot light pointed at the stairs and there is Ryujin looking so elegant and pretty on her plain black dress. She looks so nervous. She's awkwardly smiling at the people around her since she's not familiar to them . My eyes were locked on her the whole time
"You're so pretty, Ryu!" Beomgyu shouted which grabs her attention. She looked at us and she felt relieved when they started to cheer her up
My heart started to race when our eyes met. She slowly smiled at me. I held my heart because of its really beating so fast
"You're so pretty" I mouthed and it looks like she understood it because she started to blush. I laughed when I saw her reaction
"Watch your gestures Jaemin-ah, Taehyung is watching you" Sunghoon whisphered
I looked back and saw Taehyung looking at me with his brows furrowed. He looked at Ryujin and looked at me and started to shake his head and left
"Babe!"
"What's wrong with Hyung?"
I'm f*cked up