Author's note: I recommend listening to Breath by Lee Hi
YEONA'S POV
I woke in my bed and reach for my phone. I looked at the messages I got and there's one from Hyunjin.
" Goodmorning " He texted.
"Goodmorning. Just woke up. You up early. " I replied. After a couple of minutes, he replied.
" I'm always early. Do you have plans today? Or you want to rest? "
" I was just about to rest today because we just got home yesterday after we spend at Grandma's remember? "
" Oh yeah. "
" Why? "
" Well, if you want.. I was about to ask you out. "
" Why? Do you miss me? " It took longer before he replied.
" So much. " He replied and I just giggled on my bed.
" Then, let's go out! " I texted him back.
" Really? Are you sure? "
" Yeah.. I miss you too you know. It's been a week since we last met. "
" Great. Let's meet up at the park at 11 am. "
" Sure, see you! " Our conversation ended.
I set my phone down beside me and smiled as I looked up at the ceiling. I got out of bed and started getting ready. I tried on various outfits before settling on a pink shirt, a white thick blazer, a white plaided skirt that reached half of my thighs, white boots, and a grey shoulder bag.
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I sat down to eat my breakfast. Minho is eating alongside me while watching a video on his phone.
"Yah, you have plans today? Aren't you going to rest?" Minho chewed.
"Yes, I have a date with Hyunjin; I'll rest tomorrow," I said as I chewed my food.
"Are you wearing that in this cold weather?" he questioned.
"Yeah, why? It's not that cold," I responded, slightly offended.
"Look, it's minus ten today, and it's going to snow heavily today," he said as he showed me the weather forecast on his phone.
"Don't worry, I brought a coat," I explained.
"So you're going to put up with the cold just to impress a guy?" he wondered out loud.
"Yeah," I replied confidently.
"You know, if a guy likes you, you don't need to impress him by- "
"I know, and I just want to keep impressing him, even though I know he likes me," I explained as I stood up and walked to the door.
I exited the gate and texted Hyunjin that I was already on my way. When I put my phone in my bag, it began to snow. I put on my brown coat and began walking to the bus stop.
I arrived at the park and noticed that there aren't many people there, possibly due to the weather. Yes, Minho is correct; we're crazy to date in this weather.
The temperature is below zero, and snow is falling everywhere. The once-green trees have been covered in white, and there is no sun or moon visible above, only pitch black. Despite the fact that I was dressed warmly, my bones shivered from the cold. I rub my hands together to warm them up and put them inside my coat. I actually have no idea where I'm going, but my instincts tell me to just walk, so I did.
Leaving footprints behind, each step feels as if the ground I'm walking on is no longer flat but muddy and cold. I simply kept walking until I heard some additional footsteps behind me. They're quick and appear to be running or jogging. A faint, low voice called my name. My body stops and looks behind me without hesitation as I try not to stop walking and turn around. I noticed a man far away panting. I can't see his face because he's so far away. Then he started running towards me, calling my name once more.
I just stood there waiting for him and I'm not sure why I'm not scared because anyone could hurt me, but instead I'm excited for him to appear in front of me and I can see his face clearly. Finally, he's directly in front of me, and I can see his face. I just stood there in awe, analyzing his features.
He slowly lifted his right hand, having gathered all of the oxygen he required after all of his running. He reaches for my cheeks and gently caresses them, and it excites me like electricity running through my body. He suddenly hugged me and gradually tightened the hug. I slowly returned his hug and we stood there for a few seconds until he spoke.
" Please.. be real. "
Then he tightens the hug, but not to the point of suffocation; it feels more comforting. His breath became heavy, and a tear fell from my eye, causing my eyes to cry unintentionally. I'm not sure why, but I became depressed. And then he called my name once more...
"Yeona," he responded directly.
"C-Chan?? " I was taken aback when I recognized his face.
"W-Why are you here? This can't be... you've already left. How? " I broke the hug as I looked him in the eyes to see if he was real.
"You vanished from my side, and I was terrified," he explained.
"What are you talking about, Chan?" I questioned.
"You're already dead, Chan," I said, and he just stared at my eyes.
"I know; I remember what happened, and I'm not sure why you can see and touch me now," he explained.
"Chan, if this is your spirit... I'm not scared at all; in fact, I'm relieved to see you again; I've missed you so much," I said as tears streamed down my cheeks.
"You always protect me and show me how much you love me, but I never did... not even once," I added.
"I love you... so much," I said, sobbing harder. He wiped my tears away with his cheeks.
"Don't cry, I know that. I'm already happy that you're doing well now; there's nothing more I can ask for," he said before hugging me again.
He felt so real because it felt so real. I can feel his warmth and hear his heartbeat. As he caresses my back, I can feel his breath behind my ear. I can tell he's really here. Is this a nightmare? Or did I pass away without knowing?
"I think it's time for me to leave, Yeona," Chan said.
"Can you stay a little longer?" I asked, tightening my embrace.
"I'm sorry," he said, breaking the hug and looking at me.
" Remember, I'm always there for you. Don't hold back because of me; I want you to live your life to the fullest, okay?" he said, and I just stared at him.
"I'm off then, take care," he said, kissing my brow.
"I'll always love you," he said quietly as he began to walk away.
"Chan, please don't leave... " I yelled.
He came to a standstill for a brief moment before continuing to walk while waving his hand in the air. As I fell to the ground, I cried even louder and felt my knees weaken. I'm not sure what happened, but I know he was legit.
