Michaela's POV

Seungmin texted me that he was almost finishing his project for the day. So he wanted me to arrive at the school when he would exit the building. I was heading towards the school and it's about a few meters away from me. Spotting the school across from where I am now, I looked both ways to see if there are no cars passing by.

Seeing that it's all clear, I walked across the road and made it to the other side where the school's located. And a few minutes later, I finally arrived in front of the school. Since there's stairs in front of the building, it's better for me to sit on the steps and wait for my boyfriend. So I did.

On my way, I bought some Mickey and Minnie Mouse themed macarons and iced Americanos for us to have on our way to the mall.

I sent a text to my boyfriend in my phone,

Hi Mickey, I'm here in front of the school waiting for you. 🥰

And seconds later, he read my text and replied,

Ok Minnie, I just finished the project. I'll be right with you in a few moments. 🥰

I smiled when I got his reply.

A minute later, I heard the door opening behind me. Before I could turn around to look, I felt a pair of hands cover my eyes from behind. Then I heard a voice say,

"Guess who."

"Is it my handsome Mickey Mouse?" I asked him with a smirk, knowing it's Seungmin being playful.

I heard his giggles then saying, "Like always."

I giggled along with him and turned around, guiding his arms to wrap around my neck from behind. He planted a brief kiss on my lips before hugging each other. We broke apart and I stood up from the stairs.

"I brought us some macarons. I figured we could eat them together on our way to the mall." I told him while holding up the box of macarons.

"That would be a good snack for us to eat, sweetie." He smiled as he picked the box from my hand.

I gave him a cup of iced Americano and asked him as we started walking together, "How's your project going?"

Seungmin told me, "We already have the fake vines made, and some of Eva's friends from art class are making the flowers to go with it. Jeongin is in charge of costumes again. And we managed to get Kristen's parents to help with hair and makeup. Hyunjin and Kristen, if she gets better soon, will come up with their own choreography. The dance teachers will work with everyone and the kids, who will have the role of young Hyunjin and Kristen."

"Sounds like it will be amazing." I told my boyfriend with a smile.

"Wanna know something else amazing?" He asked with a slight chuckle as I gave him a questioning look. "The kids not only look like Hyunjin and Kristen, they have the same names as them."

"That is amazing!" I responded with a chuckle.

"I bet it's a coincidence they were chosen with the names after them." He spoke.

"I remember when I first moved to the US at age fourteen, I was babysitting my dance teacher's daughter who had the same name as me, but her name was spelled differently. Because of that, I allowed her to call me by my middle name." I recalled the memories of when I used to babysit.

"I remember. When we began dating, and had our first date sleeping over at your house, we got asked last minute to babysit her." Seungmin brought up our first date, making me smile at the thought.

"Yeah. We had fun playing games with her." I softly giggled.

I opened the box of macarons for us to pick one to eat. I put one towards his mouth to act like I was gonna feed him, but pulled it back so he couldn't eat it and placed it in my mouth.

"Minnie, don't be a tease." He jokingly whined.

He's a cutie pie indeed. I just smirked and went on to eat it, but before I could eat more, Seungmin ate the part that was sticking out of my mouth. This made me feel his lips on mine and I'm already blushing.

He pulled away while chewing, and covered his smirk on his mouth.

"Now who's being a tease Mickey Mouse?" I jokingly asked Seungmin, causing us to giggle together as we were a couple inches away from the mall.

As we entered the mall, we began to search for some clothing department to walk in. Just to see if there are some fancy clothes for our first date after being apart for a long time.

"Ladies first, my sweetheart." Seungmin told me as we were in the women's section.

I smiled and went to grab a couple of nice dresses. There were six dresses in my hands. When I got to the fitting room section, I looked at Seungmin and said,

"Don't go eating all the macarons while I'm getting dressed, cutie."

"I won't, honey. I promise I'll leave you some." He reassured me with a smile.

I grinned at him and went into an empty room for me to try the dresses. As I organized the five dresses, I scanned each one of the dresses, thinking which one I should try.

The iridescent sequin pink short dress first caught my eye, so I think this should be the first to try it on.

"I'll try this on you first." I happily told the short pink dress.

I removed my outer clothing and folded them aside, so I can put the dress on comfortably. After putting the dress on, I fixed some creases to make it look smooth. As I looked up at my reflection in the mirror...

This dress accentuated my curves perfectly, much to my amazement.

"Ooh. I like this dress."

Then I noticed how fitted the dress is on my body. Maybe I could save this for when I travel to Hawaii with mine and Kristen's family. Besides, I could keep this dress as a secret surprise for Seungmin when we go over there for Kristen's birthday party.

I made sure my appearance was great, and then stepped outside so I could show Seungmin what I look like in this dress.

While stepping outside, I noticed Seungmin busy checking on his phone while waiting. So I called him to get his attention,

"Mickey~"

"Yes, darling?" When he looked up...

A rosy tint immediately crept into his cheeks, causing him to try to cover his blushing face. Yet unable to cover his face properly, it made me giggle at his adorable reaction.

"Oh my God..." He sheepishly chuckled, embarrassed being a mess in front of me.

I couldn't stop giggling at him then I asked, "Whatcha think?"

Seungmin gulped. I probably made my poor Mickey all shy and speechless. He shook it off for a moment and tries to talk casual,

"Ok, lemme get this straight."

But he ended up groaning in embarrassment, burying his flushed face in his hands. It brought me even more giggles and I somewhat felt my face burning too.

He sternly told himself before taking deep breaths, "Man up, Kim Seungmin!"

"Ok...I love it, but what about the other guests looking at you? I mean, I can let you go with that but... you might need a jacket to cover it up." Seungmin suggested but I got puzzled for a moment and asked,

"What do you mean 'cover it up'?

"Your..." He then pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh in embarrassment again.

He made a curved line with both his hands, hoping that I would get the hint of what he meant.

Guess he wants me to cover my curves under a jacket.

"Do my curves look more attention-seeking to you, Seungmin?" I somewhat teasingly asked him, before letting out a giggle.

"You look incredibly beautiful, Michaela. I just don't want any weirdos or better looking guys to take my Minnie Mouse away from me!" He pouted like a kid not wanting to share his toys, making me giggle.

"Aww Mickey, you're the most handsome guy for me. I will always love you no matter how many men there are in the world. But I still have more dresses for you to see me in."

"All right, Minnie. But please have something that is flowy so it doesn't show off your body so much." He pleaded and I kissed his lips.

"Don't worry so much, Mickey. Remember I love you with all my heart."

He smiled as I went back into the changing room to try on the other options.

Seungmin's POV

Finally, after Michaela showed me that sequin pink bodycon dress, she agreed to try the other dresses on. Goodness, I thought I was gonna have a heart attack by seeing her in that fitted pink dress. I mean she looks gorgeous in that outfit, but it's...alluring to me at the same time. I let out a huge sigh of relief, then tried to compose myself.

Moments later, I saw her coming out with a short skater, thin-strapped velvety fuchsia dress with a deep V neckline. Its waist belt is embellished with miniscule crystals. Ok, now this time it looks flowy. And when she turned around, her back was partially open like a keyhole.

"Whatcha think of this dress?" She asked.

"That one is pretty, but it shows a lot of cleavage." I stated my opinions on the dress.

"That's what I thought too. I like the color though, but yeah, like you said, it shows a lot." She agreed, stifling a chuckle. "I'll go try another one."

I nodded as she went back to change into another dress.

She then came out with another pink dress, but this one has a ruffled skirt and sparkly golden patterns all over. It looks so pretty on her!

"You look like a cute ballerina with that dress." I giggled.

"Really?" She giggled in response.

I nodded and told her, "I would choose that as a semi-final choice, since I know you have more dresses to try on."

"You're right. Plus, it's a pain tying these strings by myself." She agreed.

"Yeah, it might take time to tie it right."

She nodded and said, "Alright, so this is the first semi-final choice. Time to try another one."

I nodded before she went back to try another dress.

She came out wearing a short tulle, shiny beaded bodice green dress.

"It's pretty, but I think it would be better around Christmas time." I said as I scanned her body in the dress.

"Yeah, that's what I thought too. Maybe I can wear this for Christmastime, LA style." She said with a smile.

"You got two more after this one?" I asked, and she nodded and said,

"Yeah, but I want to save my favorite option for last. The next one is black, and kind of has an old school vibe."

"Can I see it?" I asked in curiosity.

She nodded and walked back into the fitting rooms to try the black dress. Moments later, she came out with the black dress: it was a knee length, black tulle spaghetti strap with a side slit.

"It does give me some old classic vibes. Like in black-and-white films." I spoke.

"The top part feels like a corset kind of." She chuckled as she did a twirl for me.

"You look pretty on that, honey." I smiled.

"Thanks. Now I'm going to put on my favorite dress." She happily said before walking back to the fitting room.

I bet her favorite dress would not only look perfect on her, but also her style.

Then, I heard her stepping out, highly anticipating what her favorite dress would be. And there she is. She's wearing a ruffled off-the-shoulder, dusty rose-colored A-line dress, with floral lace patterns designed on. I'm just so amazed how she looks with that dress right now!

"Minnie," I breathlessly said in surprise, "you look like an angel. So beautiful!"

"Am I really?" She asked with a shy giggle, tucking a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear.

"Of course you are. Would I ever lie to my baby?" I responded and pecked her cheek. "I see why you saved it for last. This dress is definitely the one for you."

"In that case I'll go purchase it and we can get some food before I have to go home." She said as she pecked my lips.

"While you do that, my cute Minnie, I'll go find a seat for us at a Korean barbecue restaurant so we can have the food as soon as you are finished. And we can have ice cream afterwards." I informed her as I gave her the last of the macarons.

"Of course, my handsome Mickey." Michaela smiled. "I'll be fast so we can eat the food together."

We gave each other a kiss before she went into the changing room to change into her normal clothes. Then I set off to the restaurant and asked for two seats since I'm waiting for Michaela. I told the waitress that my girlfriend is foreign, but speaks fluently in Korean so she'll know to bring her to me right away.

As I set my stuff in my seat, I went to get some food to cook at the table as I waited for my Minnie. She told me she wanted to have authentic Korean barbecue in Korea, so I made sure to come here after looking at dresses with her. When I got back to the table with the ingredients, I texted Michaela where I'm at.

She replied to me seconds later,

Ok. Will be there in a few moments!

I smiled at her reply and waited for her so we could eat together.

Felix's POV

After finishing helping the project with Seungmin and Jeongin, I headed back to Chris' home. Today, I felt better than expected. Well, since Eva got discharged earlier, it made me feel happier. I'm so glad that everything's getting back to normal as it should be. Kristen will get discharged tomorrow as one step closer out from the tunnel. I'm sure Hyunjin is already the happiest boy alive to have her back in his arms again.

Thinking about the roles Eva and I have for the dance project, it makes me wonder how I could come up with moves for our dance. Then I remembered the improv Serendipity dance I did alone while Eva's still unconscious. Maybe I could use some of the moves for the project and rehearse it with her. I'm sure Eva could also come up with her improv dance moves, since she has that sixth sense dancing from the heart while listening to music.

I got an alert on my phone. When I opened it, I saw that Seungmin posted on Instagram. Opening the posts up, I noticed he was at the mall with Michaela. Guess they went shopping together since I noticed Michaela holding a shopping bag. I bet she found a dress to put on their date together and Seungmin would just melt off seeing it! Then I noticed some posts where they went to get Korean barbecue at a mall restaurant.

Seeing this only makes me pout in hunger. Remembering that Uncle Hyeong-seok might be already preparing dinner tonight, I decided to text Chris, just wanting to know if the dinner was already prepared. As I sent him the text, he read my message and replied to me,

It's almost done, little bro! 😊

I typed and replied his message,

Okie! 😁

Minutes later, I arrived and entered Chris' house. Entering the living room, I took my shoes off and placed them next to the door.

I noticed Hyeong-seok had already finished preparing dinner for Chris Hyung and me in the kitchen-dining room.

He then greeted me with a smile, "Hello Felix. You're just in time."

"Hey Hyeong-seok. What's Chan Hyung doing right now?"

"He's working on the interview questions for the film class project. You can call him up to come down here. Dinner's ready now." He answered and I nodded before heading upstairs to Chris' room.

As I arrived at his room, I noticed him at his desk, thinking deeply and his notebook being listed by a few questions. Not wanting to interrupt him, but he then looked up at me and grinned,

"Hey Felix."

I grinned back, "Hey. Hyeong-seok told me the dinner's ready if you wanna come downstairs now."

"Ok." He nodded and got up from his seat to head downstairs with me.

Then he asked me, "Did you just get here?"

"Yeah, I finished helping Seungmin and Jeongin with the project for the dance routine coming up."

"I see. How is it coming so far?" Chris asked as we arrived down to the kitchen.

"We got some of the vines finished, but thankfully we still have a while before finals." I said as I sat at the table and looked through my phone.

I smiled as I saw the pictures Eva and I took at the amusement park together. Knowing that I promised to tell her something tomorrow, I have to ask Chris for some advice after dinner. So I turned my phone off and put it back into my pocket.

"By the way, Eva told me she saw you on the rooftop after school today." Chris Hyung informed me.

I nodded with a smile and said, "Yeah. I was sad thinking she won't get discharged. In fact, I never knew she would come to visit the school today. She just made my day and I couldn't be even more happier. Besides, she told me that Kristen will be discharged tomorrow. So I'm sure Hyunjin would be happy already as well."

Yeah, I'm definitely a lovesick boy for Eva.

We heard Hyeong-seok, "I'm glad to hear that everything's already back to normal."

"Oh, have you heard that the police donated money to your school to pay for the decorations? It was Ji-eun and So-hye who planned the donation, so you should feel proud of them." He continued as he served us chicken pasta bake into our plates.

"That's great! Oh and speaking of decorations, we just started working on it today. We got some vines finished." I told him. "Also, I got chosen by Hyunjin to play a role for the dance performance."

"Really? What role are you doing for the dance?" Chris asked me.

"I'm going to be a flower fairy to crown Hyunjin during the 'transformation' in his dream." I replied, before eating a bite sized piece of the bake.

Chris then assumed, "So, if you're going to crown Hyunjin in that performance...then Eva would be the one to crown Kristen. Right?"

I wish I wasn't this surprised of him getting it right, but yeah, he knows anyway. I don't know, but just thinking about Eva and I working together for the dance performance makes my heart pound quickly.

"Yeah." I nearly whispered.

Since he just mentioned her, I was mentally preparing my confession to her for tomorrow. Maybe Chris Hyung could give me some advice after finishing dinner.

So I softly called him, "Hyung? Can we talk upstairs after dinner? I need to tell you something."

Chris nodded and replied, "Sure."

Minutes after finishing dinner, Chris and I headed upstairs to his room. I sat on his bed while he sat on his chair at his desk–not before he closed the door.

"What is it you wanna tell me, little bro?" He asked me.

"It's about the confession I'm going to say to Eva tomorrow. I know I got my flower resin bracelet already set. I know I promised to tell her my confession tomorrow but..." I paused for a moment as I remembered one time when Chris advised me after meeting Eva for the first time in high school.

Then I continued, "I know that you once told me that when it's time for me to reveal my true feelings to her, I should go for it but...I know, I'm trying not to overthink."

"It worries me, however. Hyung, I don't know what this feeling is– maybe I'm just too nervous. Or better for you to know...I'm not good with words sometimes. I'm just afraid I would mess up again." I admitted after letting out a sigh of frustration.

"You didn't mess up in the first place. From what you told me about the rooftop kiss, it seemed like she needed time. But I could tell she didn't hate it. If she did, she wouldn't have kissed back. If you both love each other that much, then I think you both should confess. She would want to know how you truly feel about her." Chris Hyung suggested it to me.

Flashing back to Eva rambling over the rooftop kiss in the field trip, I was certain she loved it. And her saying being more direct to each other every now and then...it's slowly coming together now. The thought of Eva wanting to know I truly feel about her, made me feel a tiny spark of determination pumping into my heart.

Then I heard Chris saying, "You just have to express how you truly feel. Even if it might not make sense. Express it from the heart. Simple. Follow that star in your heart."

Hearing his advice really boosted my confidence and a smile grew into my face. Even if I stumble with my words– expressing from the depths of my heart is the most important.

I stood up and reached him for a hug, "Thanks Hyung. I appreciate it."

"Welcome, little bro. Don't worry too much, ok? Just take it easy." Chris replied, gently patting my back.

I nodded and he told me, "Now, I need your help with some of my work. I gotta write enough questions for the interview filming."

And so, we started working together for the film class and a little bit of the props for the dance performance.

Chaeryeong's POV

I was setting up the dinner table with my mother since Jeongin is coming over tonight. After I finished setting the plates, I headed towards the kitchen drawer to pick up the utensils. As I did, I placed them next to each plate, while my Eomma set her homemade food in the center of the table.

After finishing it up, I called her and shyly asked,

"Eomma. How do I look?"

My hair was let down long; I'm wearing a short-sleeved black blouse with white flower patterns and a flowy, knee-length black skirt.

Hopefully he'll like my appearance when he gets here.

"Honey, you look incredible. But I'm not sure why you dressed up so pretty tonight."

"It's just me, Eomma. I just wanted to give myself a try with this new look." I reassured her, lowkey not wanting her to know the real reason why I'm dressed up like this. "It's been a while since I've dressed up like this, though."

"Well I think you look amazing, little sister. Maybe Jeongin would be surprised when he comes by." I heard Chaeyeon, my older sister, say to me.

"Eonni, this has nothing to do with him. I just want to try myself with this new look, that's all." I convinced my older sister.

Suddenly, I heard the doorbell sounding off and Eonni told me, "You can get the door, I'll take care of it."

I hesitantly nodded and headed towards the door. Looking back briefly, I noticed Eomma and Eonni were busy setting up the dinner table. Hoping they're too busy to see me opening the door now.

As I opened the door, it revealed Jeongin dressed nicely as well...and holding a bouquet of pink and red tulips. His eyes scanned at my new appearance and I could notice the pink tint almost glowing in his dual cheeks. He looks so handsome and adorable right now!

"Aren't you going to let the poor boy in, little sister?" Eonni asked me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Of course," I slightly chuckled, "please come in, Jeongin."

He smiled and came inside. Then he gave me the tulips and said,

"I brought these for you since you invited me to your house."

"Jeongin, they're beautiful. Thank you!"

"You're welcome."

"I'm going to put these in a vase in the kitchen for a moment." I told him while I returned to the kitchen to look for a vase to fill with water and rest the flowers in.

I spotted one and proceeded to place the flowers after filling a certain amount of water. As I did this, I noticed Jeongin sitting in the living room talking to Appa. The sight made me smile, but at the same time, I was blushing because my crush is having dinner with me and my family.

Not wanting to get more embarrassed, I cleared my throat for their attention. Then I asked my Appa,

"Should we eat dinner now, Appa?"

"Of course, dear." Appa said, and Eomma added,

"Dinner is finished anyways. Plus I'm excited for Jeongin to try the food I make."

"Thank you, I'm starving." Jeongin thanked Eomma as he and Appa entered the dining room.

When they got there, Jeongin pulled a chair out for me to sit in and gently pushed it in. He's indeed a gentleman for doing this.

"Gomawo, Jeongin." I smiled shyly.

"You're welcome." He replied back with a shy smile on his face.

He sat next to me, and I could notice in the corner of my eye that both of my sisters were watching us.

I gave them a questioning look, hoping they don't let my feelings slip. Maybe after dinner when we get ready to work on the outfit ideas, I can confess to Jeongin. After all, I'm also curious about the paper airplane letter he gave me.

Jeongin tried some of the tonkatsu my mother made and his eyes sparkled.

"You like it?" I asked him with a soft giggle, before taking a bite of tonkatsu.

"I love it. This tastes better than the tonkatsu served at the Japanese restaurant I took Eomma to last month!" Jeongin happily said as he ate more of his food.

"The girls love eating Japanese cuisines, and I heard that you enjoy it, too. So I decided to prepare some Japanese food, including sashimi." Eomma explained as she was giving Jeongin some sashimi she prepared.

"Oh, gamsahabnida." He thanked her happily and used the chopsticks to eat a piece of sashimi.

I used my chopsticks as well to feed myself a piece of sashimi.

This sashimi tastes even better not just with my family, but also with Jeongin next to me. I still remember when I invited him to eat at a Japanese restaurant with me the day after the incident happened so I could help take his mind off of things.

When he ordered sashimi and told me he liked it, I made sure to ask Eomma to make some. Good thing we were able to make it tonight since Jeongin was coming over, and we all love Japanese cuisines. Also, this is perfect since I've been taking cooking lessons at school, and we learned about different cultures and their styles of cooking.

Then I noticed Jeongin tasting the benihana soup I made with my older sister. His eyes immediately lit up as he was sipping the soup.

"I knew you would love it." I smiled and took a sip of the soup as well.

"My little sister wanted to make sure the soup was very delicious for when you came over, Jeongin." Eonni said, causing me to roll my eyes and respond with,

"Eonni, please."

"I really do appreciate it. I'm just happy to be enjoying another great home cooked meal." Jeongin reassured me, making me smile.

Just as I was getting finished eating, I noticed he was also finishing eating his food.

"When you get finished eating, Jeongin, we could go to my room to discuss costume ideas." I suggested as I got up and washed my dishes in the sink quickly.

And I heard him saying, "OK."

One he finished up, and helped me do our dishes, we both went upstairs to my room to work on outfit ideas for the trimester exam finals.

Jeongin's POV

After dinner, I was in Chaeryeong's room with her so we could go over the ideas I have for the costumes for the end of the semester show. I printed out the photos at school so I can have a brief idea of what I was gonna do for the costumes. The pictures Hyunjin made could also help us with inspiration for the costumes so we can know exactly what we'll be doing.

I couldn't help but remember the paper airplane I gave her yesterday night before I went to bed. During class earlier today, I remember making another paper airplane with a poem on it to give to her. And I still have a special tulip in my backpack ready for when I get ready to confess. I am doing it tonight for sure.

"Chaeryeong?"

"Hmm?"

"There's something I want to show you." I neared my open backpack in the corner of her room...

And picked the paper airplane, a bit smaller than the one I made last night– and a red tulip I just hid from my back.

"I wanna give you this; you can open it now." I told her as I gave her the paper airplane.

She unfolded the paper airplane and asked in curiosity, "Should I read it?"

"If you want to."

She looked at what I wrote in the paper airplane attentively and started reading,

Folding all my feelings

And fly to a special place

Where I belong.

Fly to a treasure

To be kept inside

in a lock that never breaks open.

Your heart is my destination to stay.

Writing that small poem made my heart flutter, but her reading it made my heart pound even more. I can see her hand slowly resting on her beating heart, her breath almost taken after reading the poem.

"Jeongin..." She then looked up at me and admitted, "I don't know what to say."

I smiled as I approached her, held her hands, placed the red tulip in them, and responded with,

"Say you'll be my girlfriend. If anyone were to be mine right now, I want it to be you. Why? Because I love you."

A sweet grin grew into her lips and she nodded happily, "I love you too. You're such a sweetheart."

She then hugged me as I embraced her in my arms. My heart is already jumping with joy and I couldn't contain the happiness I'm having right now. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to confess my crush and having her as my girlfriend.

After moving apart, I suddenly felt nervous because of what I am about to do next. Yet not wanting to make her uncomfortable, I hesitantly asked her,

"Can I kiss you?"

"Do you even have to ask?" She answered me with a question, causing me to smirk and place my lips onto hers.

I closed my eyes, feeling the flowing thrill streaming through into my whole body. She immediately responded to my kiss and I gently hugged her waist. And I felt her arms embracing my neck. With her lips on mine, I'm already feeling like I'm on cloud nine. My heart is pounding faster in my chest, my stomach fluttering and my mind focusing on nothing but the smooth, tulip-textured of her lips. I'm the happiest boy ever to have her, not only my first love but also her as my first kiss.

She's my girlfriend now, so I'm going to make sure I make her happy.

We then broke apart for a moment, and I softly spoke to her with a grin plastered on my face, "I can't wait for us being together for the next school year."

"Me neither." She giggled. "We're gonna make the best memories next year and on."

"Actually, this is already the best memory. Confessing each other and having our first kiss is the best thing I've ever experienced right now." I answered lovingly to her. "I'm the luckiest boy to fall for a kind, beautiful and amazing girl like you, Chaeryeong."

"Never in my mind would I have my first boyfriend before entering high school. Life, however...just blessed me with a surprise. And you are the best surprise of my life." She responded with a sweet smile.

Her statement made my heart melt even more and all I could say to her is this:

"I love you, Chaeryeong. I cannot find a better saying than that, but I'll never get tired of saying it." I expressed.

She then leaned to kiss me on the lips once again, and I wrapped my arms around her right after I kissed back. Sleeping, waking up, and thinking for a fact that my crush is now my girlfriend felt almost like a dream and I never want to wake up from it.

The best days for us will come.

The next day...

Eva's POV

Today I'm able to go to school since I rested well enough last night.

Last night seemed like a surprise to me–well, referring to my first encounter with Sammy after a long time of course. While we ate dinner, Samuel told us that he and Yujin passed the audition for my school. And that was another joyful surprise for me– I can't believe that my cousin and his girlfriend will be attending my school next year! I'm so happy that part of my family will go to school with me.

Before leaving, Gael promised us that he will visit us here monthly with his fiance. Also, he can call us by phone or by video whenever he wants. So that brought me some relief because we'll miss him dearly.

After finishing my morning routine, I put my school uniform on. Leaving my hair let down, I tucked a section of my hair behind my ear...and looked down to notice my black swan necklace laying on top of the side table. I picked it up and wore it around my neck, briefly touching the jeweled pendant.

My magenta backpack is all set with all the needed materials in. I picked my backpack to check one more before leaving. Spotting my sketchbook, I opened to flip some pages and between those pages...there's the two swans...and the two shells forming into a heart. I smiled at those drawings before putting it back into the backpack.

I zipped it closed and checked the outer pockets. That was when I spotted that pressed chorizema bookmark before picking it up. While my eyes trailed at the intricate details of the flowers, I suddenly got reminded of Felix as a young boy I met in Sydney once and quietly muttered to myself,

"I have to show this to Felix when we get to the rooftop later today."

I placed it back into the outer pocket of my backpack, before closing it. I picked my phone and slipped it into my jacket's pocket. Then I carried my backpack over my shoulder, before leaving my bedroom.

As I was about to head downstairs...I spotted Sammy preparing himself to go to his middle school. He has his own school uniform on and prepares his backpack before leaving his new bedroom. He spotted me while packing his backpack and beamed,

"Morning Eva."

"Morning Sammy. You know how you get to your school since you just moved here?"

"I got a group of friends to walk with, so I'm pretty sure they know where I am now." He replied as he finished packing his backpack and carrying it over his shoulder.

As we headed downstairs to the living room, I spoke, "I forgot to tell you something else. Mama called me about two days ago."

"Oh really? How is she doing over there? It's been a long time since I last met mis tios."

"She's doing well over there. My baby brother recently got into a kids' rugby team. Can't believe he's growing up that fast." I somewhat ended up pouting. "His birthday is coming up in the next two weeks so he and Mama will be visiting here."

"On his birthday here?!" He asked me in surprise.

I nodded with a smile and he chirped, "Wow, that's great! Can't wait to meet them again!"

"I'm making my own birthday present for him, so I'm sure he'll love it. Hopefully I'll finish it today or tomorrow." I told him before heading outside from our house.

"Show me when you finish it, alright?"

"I will."

"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you something too! My girlfriend is coming over here to stay the night with me. So you'll get a chance to meet and get to know her more in person." He informed me with a smile.

"That's ace! I'm excited to meet her already!" I happily said.

As we stepped down outside, we noticed two boys standing in front of our house. One of them seemed mixed since he has some Asian features in his face. Seems like they're Sammy's friends.

"Hey Joshua Hyung! Hey Vernon Hyung!" Sammy greeted them.

"Hey Sammy!" They greeted him back simultaneously.

"So those are your friends in your school?"

He nodded at my question and said, "Yeah, I met them three years ago. They're actually my best friends."

"I see. Well, see you later, primo." I smiled.

"See you, prima."

And we cheek kissed before parting ways to head our schools.

While walking, I heard Joshua asking Sammy, "Who's that girl next to you?"

"That's my older cousin."

"Really?" Joshua sounded surprised.

Then I heard Vernon saying, "She looks fine, though."

I was about to turn until Sammy told him off, "Hey, hey, hey! She has a boyfriend, bro! You can't just flirt with random girls, what if some of them are taken?"

I could only smile as a thank you to Sammy for defending me, because for sure I was about to tell that boy off.

Anyways, I kept on heading to school, already happy to spend time with my friends today after three long days in the hospital. It wasn't easy, but it was worth the wait. However...

I'm feeling a bit nervous because today during lunch hour, Felix wanted to tell me something. I don't wanna assume anything, but if it's him confessing his feelings to me...then I'm ready. Besides, I have two drawings to show him: the two swans and the two shells. Just thinking about it coming makes my heart pound quickly. Just gotta follow the spark in my heart, like Kristen said.

Moments later, I finally made it in front of the school. I stepped up the stairs and entered the building. Since I just came about a half an hour before class started, it's somewhat quiet in the hallways.

I went to my locker, used my code to unlock and opened the door. Putting my backpack in to take my necessary materials, I heard footsteps approaching me and turned to notice Jeongin walking in the corridor. He seemed to be happier than yesterday.

"Hey Innie. Seems like you're very happy today."

He stopped to glance at me and replied, "I sure am. It's because I'm happy to see you here again, Noona. Besides, Kristen Noona will get discharged today as Hyunjin told me so yesterday."

"If you're happy, then I'm happy too, Innie." I said with a soft grin on my face, while picking my necessary materials for my first hour.

He beamed once again then told me, "Hey, since I've been in charge of the costumes again for the dance routine coming up, I just wanna show you the ideas I have now. Maybe you could give some suggestions to it."

I nodded as I closed the locker door, "Sure. Kristen informed me that I'm going to play a role along with Felix in the dance routine. So that should give me some more ideas about the costumes."

"Really?! What role do you and Felix have?"

"She told me that we're gonna be the two fairies placing the flower crowns on Hyunjin and Kristen when they transform into flower angels." I told him while we're heading towards our homeroom.

"Two flower fairies?" He asked excitedly.

I softly giggled and responded, "You could say that."

"Speaking of you and Felix..."

"Hmm?"

"When are you going to confess your feelings for Felix? I heard you talking about it."

"Today. He promised that he wanted to tell me something today. I don't know what time but...I'm prepared anyways." I answered him, already certain that today's the day.

"Well, if it's his confession he's gonna tell you, I'm sure you will give in today." Jeongin assured me with a smile.

"I know I will, Innie." I responded.

"By the way Noona, I have some news." He said, and I gave him a curious look. "I began dating Chaeryeong. Last night at her house, I confessed my love to her."

Wait a minute...Innie already has a crush on a girl and no one has told me?

Then I suddenly remembered the advice I gave him once the morning before the festival started–regarding the after party of the festival show.

So he got a crush on Chaeryeong even before that.

Trying to process everything he just said, I asked, "You...have a girlfriend? Already?"

Innie nodded with a smile still plastered on his face, "Yeah."

Well...that was a surprise for me. Sounds like my child-figure has his first love already. He started dating the girl he loves and I'm happy to hear that...but also sad for the fact that he's growing up now.

"I guess you're not a baby anymore, huh Innie?" I asked him with a sad pout.

Innie then rested his hand on my shoulder and reassured me with a soft grin, "Noona, don't be sad. I know this sounds surprising to you, but...I'm still gonna be your child figure anyway."

He stifled a chuckle and continued, "You reminded me of my Eomma when she saw me going to high school for the first time. Especially when I have my first girlfriend like Chaeryeong. I am growing up but you can still baby me anyway."

I faintly smiled and told him, "Innie, I'm happy for you. I just wanted to let you know, however, that no matter how old you are, you're still a baby in my heart."

And I gave him a warm and tight hug, easing my tiny bit of sadness seeing my precious Innie growing up. As he hugged me back, I gently patted his head. I know he's growing up, but I don't want his innocence to be lost completely. He's such a baby to me and will forever be, so I gotta protect this precious baby at all costs.

Then I heard him telling me in our hug, "Noona? I'm not really going anywhere."

I cracked a smile as we parted from our hug and said, "I know that."

We giggled together and arrived in our homeroom. It's just us here now, so I think this would be a good time to talk about the preps for the dance project.

As we sat at our desks next to each other, I asked him, "Anyways, what ideas do you have now for the costumes? Can you show me?"

"Yeah. Chaeryeong helped me out a bit when I was in her house." Jeongin said while pulling his sketchbook out from his backpack.

While he skipped some pages to find the sketches, I stood up and approached his desk just to get a better look of them.

Maybe I can add some extra ideas for the costumes' accessories.

Narrator's POV

After the first hour had just finished, Changbin was in his locker before heading to math class for the next hour. While he picked his math materials before closing the locker door, he heard a familiar male voice calling him,

"Changbin Hyung!"

It was Jisung as he noticed.

"Hey Ji. Sorry I couldn't go to the movies with you that night. I was running some errands at the last minute. Shit happens anyways." He apologized to Jisung after he closed the locker door.

"It's all right. Thanks for setting me up with Yuna, by the way. I was gonna nag you at first, but remembering what I helped you to confess to Tzuyu...I guess I'm already happy." Jisung replied with a smile, slightly shrugging his shoulders.

"So...you two are already official?" Changbin asked with a smile and Jisung happily nodded.

Changbin chuckled and hugged him by the shoulder as they walked together,

"I'm happy for you, man."

"Thanks, Hyung."

In the math classroom, Sally and Eva were sitting at their desks next to each other and Chaeyoung was behind them, chatting together.

Then Chaeyoung asked Eva,

"Hey, did you get an email from the art teacher last night?"

"I haven't really. I was taking a rest and had my other cousin who just moved where I live. My cousin who studies in Konkuk is going to become a father so he moved to live with his fiance." Eva responded.

"Really?! Your cousin's going to be a father?!" Sally asked in surprise.

Eva nodded happily and said, "I got the news while I was staying in the hospital. I was so giddy like a little girl who is about to get her favorite Christmas gift."

"Oh my gosh, congrats to him! I wonder what the baby will be." Chaeyoung excitedly spoke.

"Well, he hasn't told me more about the baby. Maybe he wants to surprise me then." Eva chuckled. "I'm already excited to see my second cousin soon."

"And who's your other cousin, by the way?" Sally asked Eva in curiosity.

"He's half Korean and half Mexican. He auditioned here along with his girlfriend, but they couldn't come to the festival because they have a busy schedule since they're models. Yet I'm glad they passed the audition together, so they'd be able to enroll here next year." Eva explained.

"Yujin's boyfriend, right?" Chaeyoung assumed.

"Yeah. I'm going to meet her since she's going to stay over at my place with him." Eva spoke. "Anyways, what did the art teacher say?"

"The art teacher said that we're gonna have our class earlier before noon, since she has an important meeting that time." Chaeyoung informed her.

"In what hour?" Eva asked.

"Fourth."

"Gotcha. I still have my drawing chosen to present so I'm prepared anyway. Hey, how about yours, Chae? Did you choose a drawing to present?"

Meanwhile, Changbin just entered the math classroom and spotted his girlfriend chatting with Chaeyoung and Eva. That gave him the opportunity to sneakily approach her from behind. As he quietly neared her, he covered Sally's eyes with his hands and says in a squeaky voice,

"Guess who."

"Dwaekki?" Sally giggled.

Changbin then uncovered her eyes and hugged her from behind. Sally gently ruffled his hair and pecked his cheek, before he sat next to her.

"Hey Eva, are you ready for your presentation for art class?" He asked Eva.

"I'm born ready, Changbin. You know me when it comes to that." Eva replied with a chuckle.

About two hours later–Eva, Changbin, Chaeyoung and Jackson were in the art room along with other students. Everyone was sitting at their desks, paying attention to each student's presentation of their chosen artwork and its meaning.

A student in the art class just finished presenting his artwork and everyone applauded for the nice presentation.

"Changbin?" The art teacher called him to present his chosen artwork.

He stood up from his seat, picked his sketchbook to stand in front of the class. While walking, he noticed Eva having her fists clenched and whispered with a smile, "Fighting!"

Changbin just smiled in response and once he got to stand in front of the classroom, he turned the sketchbook around...revealing the phoenix drawing shown earlier in the gallery during the festival.

"I chose this drawing of the phoenix. Originally because my element sign is fire. Yet...looking at this these days..." He paused for a moment to look over at the drawing.

While looking at it... flashbacks from that terrible night came back into his memory. From the kidnapping news they received...to Felix being blacked out in the hospital. It was a movie reeling rapidly in his head; his eyes began to water but fought back with a deep exhale.

He continued, "This phoenix drawing just spoke out to me. What had happened the past four days...we were perished by the flames itself. Today...we just rose up from the ashes...with a new healing of hope. We were now reborn to become stronger and wiser. Even though it left us a mark...we were able to prove that despite the evil in the world, it won't bring us down. Staying positive and looking on into the future is the way to make sure we don't let this negatively impact us."

After listening closely to what Changbin told about the meaning of the phoenix, everyone applauded with amazement. This made him grin happily and heard the art teacher,

"That was very powerful of what you see before and after the incident. When you think deeply about that day...incidents seemed to be traumatizing and scary. But also, it may bring a positive impact for everybody. Like you said before, it marks you but it also tells you to stay firm. Very powerful."

"Thank you." Changbin bowed at the art teacher before going back to his seat.

As he sat back into his desk, he noticed Eva being a bit teary-eyed since she was facing down on the floor. Guess the meaning he explained moments ago hits her close to home.

He placed his hand on her shoulder and she turned to look up at him. He understood she can't say anything when she's like this, so he told her these words,

"You're a strong girl, Eva. You rose up from those ashes. You're a phoenix."

Unable to say anything else, she whispered, "Yeah."

Chaeyoung also comforted a somewhat emotional Eva by rubbing her back gently–easing Eva a bit. Eva could only smile at her when she heard her name being called by the art teacher,

"Eva...do you have your chosen piece to show us?"

Eva then looked at her swan drawing and a written piece on a separate sheet in front of her. She picked them up in her hands before walking in front of the class. After walking up front, she turned to see the class in front of her; everyone already had their expectation of what artwork she would demonstrate.

She turned her drawing around and there it was.

The black swan and the white swan drawing.

She spoke, "I know you may have seen this before, but I would like to tell you a story behind this drawing. I named this drawing...Colorless Love."

And she started the story written in the sheet of paper behind the drawing,

"In a grassy field, there was a crowd full of white swans. Full of commoners. With common knowledge. Common words. Common ways to follow the same path. Same people. Same belief. Same thinking. Same status. All look the same...but as time goes by...it gets dull. Colorless."

"There's one, however, who stands out from the crowd of white swans. A very unique color that no one has ever seen. An elegant dark, rare color. One with a unique understanding. One who is outspoken, challenging the norms society places. People see...yet overlooks that dark swan. No one knows what a black swan is capable of. No one knows the inner power from that black swan who says, "Yes I can"... in the middle of an ordeal." She continued and when she looked at the next paragraph...

Her moments with Felix...even in the hospital before she was examined...and when Felix fell into a fainting spell...everything flashed into her thoughts. Just remembering about it made her eyes water but she was brave enough to continue the story,

"In the crowd of white swans, there's a white swan who notices the black swan's appearance. The black swan is a rare gem that catches attention and pulls the white swan close to her. Throughout her appearance...he sees her outspoken attitude...her unique knowledge...and her inner strength. He embraces her, accepting who and what she is. He has a heart full of clear, yet fragile glass. In his heart, love has no color, yet will break easily one day when he'll lose his mate...and dies from a broken heart."

And she finishes, "Two clear hearts full of love. A colorless love. Love has no color."

Everyone in the art class was touched and impressed by hearing Eva's story behind the two swans drawing. And they all applauded for her amazing presentation, making Eva smile. She couldn't help but be proud of herself.

Meanwhile, Chaeyoung quietly told Changbin and Jackson, "Wow, her story behind the drawing is so interesting."

The two boys agreed while everyone finished clapping.

Then the art teacher asked her, "Eva...how did you come up with that intriguing story?"

She glanced back at her drawing for a brief moment then explained, "I made it myself. Besides, I was nicknamed 'Black Swan' by my friends, back in my school days in London. The reason why they called me that is because I have a passion when it comes to doing what I love. I love art in general. Another reason is I'm outspoken but fragile. I speak and stand up for the people who I cherish deeply...yet I break down easily when life chooses violence to destroy me in all four corners. There was an inner power in me, however, that kept me going strong. That tells me that it's all gonna pass. And it's my faith because without it, there's nowhere I'd go."

She added, "Behind the white swan...could represent either two persons. Myself...or..."

She knew who is her white swan, but not wanting to mention it in front of the class, she tended to subtly mention by saying,

"Someone special to me."

Lee Felix.

The art teacher said, "That story behind is not only unique, but also hits close to reality, because we live in a close-minded society in these times. Same mindsets daily and it gets dull. We need people who can not only make a difference in a society, but also make the world a better place. Even if it's only one from the society who can embrace that outspoken person, the most will finally learn. Not only would it become more peaceful and productive, but also–above all of that– share universal love."

Then added, "It's such a beautiful drawing by the way."

Eva smiled and thanked, "Thank you."

She walked back to her seat, and when she sat with her friends, she heard Jackson complimenting her,

"Your story behind that drawing is so beautiful, Eva."

"Thanks, Jackson." Eva smiled in response.

"Are you going to hang that drawing on the wall of your bedroom?" Chaeyoung asked her.

"I already hung up before. I just wanted to present this drawing because this has much more significance for me than any drawing I did." Eva responded. "It hits close to me."

And I know who I can show this to.

Later, the art class finished about fifteen minutes before lunch hour, so everyone walked out from the room to get their lunches earlier. Meanwhile, Eva was heading another direction instead to the cafeteria. While walking, she suddenly heard Chaeyoung calling her from behind. She turned around, noticing her along with Changbin and Jackson.

"Eva, where are you going? Aren't you coming to lunch with us?" Chaeyoung asked in confusion.

Eva shook her head and said, "You guys can go without me, don't worry. I'll be there with you when I can."

Her three friends glanced at each other puzzled, but they gave in and went on without Eva. Eva turned back and kept on heading in her direction. She then headed to her locker to unlock and open, picking her sketchbook and placing her swans drawing in the middle of it. She reached her magenta backpack into the locker, finding the pressed bookmark from the outer pocket of her backpack.

As her hand finally found the glossy smooth piece, she picked it out and placed it into her uniform jacket's pocket. She then closed her locker door and kept on heading in her own direction.

Entering the main lobby, she noticed the auditorium...then something came up into her mind. So she went to the entrance, walking into a small hallway. On her right side, there were about three doors entering the auditorium. And the one door ahead of her is the backstage door. So, she went straight ahead, entered the backstage and left her sketchbook on the table.

She walked on the stage, seeing the empty row of seats in front of her. In some way, she's all by herself and it makes her feel free, because she can pour her heart out through her dancing. She then sees the piano in front of her once again.

She picked her phone from her uniform jacket's pocket and connected it with a cable from the speaker. She searched for a song track to make her own improvised dance. While searching for it...she found the same track she played with the piano, while hiding from embarrassment because of the accidental first kiss she and Felix had.

https://youtu.be/Li2t3MqIa4A

(A/N: Play this 👆 while you continue reading below.)

She decided to play "Kindness" by Astro Music once again, but this time...she will dance from the heart. As she pressed play, the familiar piano low notes started playing right away. She took off her uniform jacket, left it on the lid of the piano, headed to the very center of the stage and stood there to wait for the beat to subtly drop.

After taking deep breaths as a prep...the beat dropped and she let herself free from the strings restraining her body.

Felix's POV

Later, it's now at noon and everyone's heading to the cafeteria for lunch, while I'm walking through the corridors to search for Eva. The corridor towards the cafeteria was a bit crowded, so I had to take another direction as a shortcut to find her sooner. While walking, I reached my hand into my pants' pocket and took a glimpse of the flower resin bracelet I made a few days ago.

Then Chris' voice echoed into my thoughts last night in his advice,

You just have to express how you truly feel. Even if it might not make sense. Express it from the heart. Simple. Follow that star in your heart.

You got this, Lee Felix.

Just a little braver.

I'm ready to confess to the girl I'm deeply in love with.

Looking sideways and passing by room by room, I found the classroom Eva was in before lunch.

As I entered the classroom...it was nothing but full of desks organized in rows and columns. And she's not even here, much to my confusion.

I then exited the room, and continued searching for her while strutting in the hallways. I know she was here for the first hour in our homeroom. Now, I can't find her. Gosh, I hope she didn't leave school early all of a sudden. I won't blame her if anything might happen to her...but I can't hold it in any longer.

Where is she?

As I went to the main lobby, I spotted the auditorium sign. Maybe she's over there all by herself. I headed to the entrance of the auditorium. I entered a small hallway and there are some doors to enter there. Yet before I could even open the door, there was music playing in the auditorium.

Not wanting to interrupt, I just quietly pushed the door slightly open. And what I just saw is Eva dancing on her own on stage as if no one's watching. Dancing gracefully as the black swan she is.

She then crouched down, curling herself into a ball. And at least expected...she rose up with a jump and twirls to the side, her arms following her movement. Bringing her right leg ahead of her, she slowly bent backwards before turning to get down on one knee–with the support of her hand on the floor. She pushed herself to stand up while she slid her right foot from behind.

After that, she took slow steps around the stage, listening and following the beat. She then suddenly stopped–spontaneously threw her hands in the air, outstretched her arms forward while stepping backwards at a quick pace. She then tumbled down, rolled over and curled while kneeling up. As she kneeled up, she pushed her to stand up again and spread her arms wide. She then linked her thumbs as her hands formed into a butterfly. As she placed her butterfly hands on her chest, her chest reflexed as if her heart became alive by those butterfly wings. She lets her body be guided by the music.

She definitely poured her heart and soul when it comes to these improv dances. And I'm just falling for her even more. Watching her dancing improv could not only give her, but also me ideas for how we can incorporate our dancing part as flower fairies for the performance.

After doing her improv dance, she stopped for a moment as the music abruptly stopped– and looked at the piano standing behind her. She approached the seat in front of her and sat on it. I wonder what she will do next with the piano.

https://youtu.be/N0PcZ-bA-co

(A/N: Play this 👆 while you continue reading below. Imagine her singing voice as Eva's.)

She brought her hands on the keyboard and started playing the right notes–not after she trailed her eyes at every piano key and taking deep breaths. After doing the piano intro, she started singing a song which I knew it sounded familiar,

If you feel insignificant, you better think again

Better wake up because you're part of something way bigger

You're part of something way bigger

Not just a speck in the universe

Not just some words in a bible verse

You are the living word

Ahh, you're part of something way bigger

Bigger than you, bigger than we

Bigger than the picture they framed us to see

But now we see it

And it ain't no secret, no

Understand the truth 'bout that question in your soul

Look up, don't look down, then watch the answers unfold

Life is your birthright, they hid that in the fine print

Take the pen and rewrite it

Step out your estimate

Step in your essence and know that you're excellent

Rise, the spirit is teaching

Oh, I'm not just preaching', I'm takin' my own advice

I wasn't aware I was lip-syncing while she was singing, but just can't help singing that song. I remember that song from the live action version of Lion King I watched last year. And it felt powerful and beautiful hearing these lyrics.

But I promise you I will fight, so I'll fight

If you feeling frustrated and

You're sinking, I'm jumping in

Forgiveness is key because we're fighting something way bigger

You'll never lose, we are winners

I'll be the roots, you be the tree

Pass on the fruit that was given to me

Legacy~ we're part of something way bigger

Let love be the water

I pour into you and you pour into me

There ain't no drought here

Bloom into our actual powers

I'll be your sanctuary, you just don't know it yet

You just don't know it yet

No matter how hard it gets

You got my blood in ya

And you're gonna rise~

And that high note...my God, my ears are blessed. I remember I was singing more than I got used to while Eva stayed in the hospital. Not gonna lie, I just cried every time I sang some ballads in the past few days. This time, however–even though she might never know this–her singing is a motivation for me to keep improving my singing.

You're part of something way bigger

You're part of something way bigger

Bigger than you, bigger than me

Bigger than the picture they framed us to be, yeah

Ooh~ you're part of something way bigger~

You better think again

Better wake up 'cause you're part of something way bigger

You're part of something way bigger

I'll be the roots, you be the tree

Pass on the fruit that was given to me

Legacy, ah, we're part of something way bigger

After that breathtaking cover of Beyonce's 'Bigger' she did, she slid her hands away from the keyboard and stood silent.

Wow.

Just wow.

I could see tears slowly rolling down her face and she wiped them away with her hands; it made my eyes water. She had gone through a lot for the past few days, but her singing that song is a healing motivation not only for her, but for me as well.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed the backstage door ahead of me. Seems like she might have entered there on the stage. So I walked straight ahead to the backstage door and I knocked on the door, hoping she could hear me. Unable to hear a response, I knocked the door a bit louder and that's when I heard her,

"It's open."

I opened the door and entered the backstage area. And there she is, sitting in front of the piano. She turned around to notice me and stood up from her seat.

"Felix?"

"Hey Eva. I was looking for you, but ended up spotting you dancing and hearing you singing." I said with a soft smile on my face.

She slightly cocked her head, puzzled, "Really?"

"It was very beautiful." I replied as I held her hands, making her flustered, but smiling.

"I just want to take advantage of the time since I left art class early. Besides, since I've gone through a lot in the past few days, I decided to uplift myself before continuing my day. I teared up a bit after singing Beyonce's song with the piano, because it's such a healing pill for me." She explained.

And I responded, "As long as you're feeling better, that's all that matters to me. You sang so beautifully while playing the piano."

She smiled at my compliment and told me, "Thanks Felix. It's been a while since I haven't done this."

Letting out a deep exhale, she picked her uniform jacket from the lid of the piano.

"Anyways...should we go up on the rooftop together?" She asked me, much to my awe.

"You just read my mind." I chuckled and she chuckled along.

We left the whole stage, not after she picked her sketchbook. And after leaving the auditorium, we strolled together past the main lobby, entering a corridor. We were all by ourselves here now, since everyone went to the cafeteria or outside in the backyard for lunch.

So, I reached my hand for her to hold mine. As she did so, we started jogging together down the hall, and turned a corner to find an entrance of one of the inner stairwells around the school. We entered the stairwell and started racing up to find an exit door.

After taking a long walk up the stairs, we found an exit and she opened the door to emerge outdoors.

And here we are. Where the bright sun throughout the light gray clouds casts a soft white glow on the Seoul rooftops. And a soft breeze fanning on our faces. After Eva placed her sketchbook and her uniform jacket on a nearby table, we took a beat to admire the downtown view, the schoolyard, the soccer field and the garden around the school.

"This is beautiful already." Eva expressed her amazement towards the beautiful view around us.

"I remember this was where we saw the fireworks on the night of the festival, and where we had our second kiss." I expressed my memories, feeling my heart about to leap out of my chest.

I turned to look at her and she was staring at the view ahead of her. Her long brown hair flowed by the gentle gust of wind, her light brown eyes made a dim glow under the faint sunlight throughout the clouds when she looked up at the sky...and her slightly parted lips were like two petals of light pink rose–that I just felt the urge to kiss them again right away.

I held back, however, to find the right timing for this hour-long break.

Then I heard her asking sheepishly, "Aren't you going to tell me something?"

When she asked me that question, I could hear my heartbeat through my ears. Despite standing still, the adrenaline inside me makes my nerves slightly tremble. I thought to tell her...but I wondered if she had something to say to me.

So I gave her a chance by telling her, "You can go first if...you wanted to tell me something."

She turned to look back at her sketchbook laying on the nearby table. Heading towards and picked it up, she flipped some pages and told me,

"I just wanted to show you something."

Looking at her flipping the pages, she suddenly stopped as she said,

"Oh. Look at that."

It's a drawing of two spiral shells...forming into a heart. The shadows and highlights give such a good contrast to make it more realistic.

"Eva...did you draw that?" I asked with a smile growing into my face.

She nodded with a soft grin and explained, "Yeah. I drew it when...after finishing making the shell necklace for you, for the music video filming of 'Shell Shocked'. I...thought about it while drawing this."

"But that's not what I wanted to show you." She added and skipped pages of her sketchbook.

And when she found the drawing she wanted to show me...

It's a drawing of a black swan and white swan forming into a heart. The beautiful details of the feathered bodies of the swans...including the beaks touching each other–it not only amazes me, but also makes my heart flutter just because of the swans touching their beaks.

"This was what you drew since the beginning of school?" I asked her.

She just nodded and let out a deep sigh, sounding she's a bit flustered. She then closed the sketchbook and placed it on the floor next to us. She then turned around to look at the view again.

Then she started, "Back in the first day of school, I found a glass sculpture of two swans. A black swan and a white swan bowing each other, forming into a heart. I find it meaningful because looking at the black swan, I was dubbed 'Black Swan' back in my days in London. That's when my interest in swans and Cygnus began to spark. They told me I have something special for everyone when I do what I love to do ...but I never knew what it is. When I once saw a black swan in a lake in Hyde Park...I saw myself there. The rarity, courage, passion, elegance, impulsiveness...I relate so much to that swan on a spiritual level."

"While drawing this...there was this thought crossing through my head. Who's my white swan? Never knew who it was...until I found you. I've always thought of you since I first saw you. Even though I didn't want to admit it at the time, just because I wasn't interested in having a relationship at all. But...you got me wanting to get to know more of you. Day by day, my feelings for you began to grow but I tried to deny it so many times. I gave up, however. I couldn't resist them anymore." She continued, pouring her honest expression.

She let out a shaky sigh yet kept on expressing from her heart, "That kiss you gave me here after the festival...I fell for it so deeply. I love it and I mean it. That moment couldn't stop replaying into my head, but I'm not complaining. Actually, never. My heart goes insane the whole time...since I first saw you. The four notes and the flowers you sent me...I don't know what to express really. It's just too beautiful."

She turned to face me and confessed, "Remember I wished for someone that I can open my heart to? That someone is you, Felix. If you want to be part of my world then so be it...because I want to be part of yours too. I'm so in love with you, Lee Felix."

In a beat, a somewhat embarrassed grin grew into her lips and she admitted, "I think I confessed more than enough. Should I apologize?"

Gosh, my heart just melted into a mush. Her comparing me as her white swan, confessing that she totally loved the second kiss we shared after the festival had finished, telling me that I'm the one she can open her heart to and letting me be part of her world.

Our wishes from the shooting star just came true this instant and I've never felt such an overpowering thrill like this before.

How did I ever get lucky to be the love of this gorgeous girl's life? I'm totally head over heels for her all over again.

"Why should you apologize? That was beautiful. In fact, it makes things easier for me on my part of the confession." I admitted as I pressed my forehead against hers.

And I told her, "Gimme your hand."

Right after, I remember as a four year child when I made my first flower bracelet for Eva back in my home Sydney. It almost felt like a reminiscence of our very first meeting as children.

As a child, I thought she was a real angel because she was gone the day after we first met–yet now...I found my angel once again. And I don't wanna let her disappear from me anymore.

(👆 This is Eva's resin flower bracelet.)

She reached her hand towards me, while I took out my flower resin bracelet from my pants' pocket. I then slipped the bracelet on her wrist and I heard her whispering,

"Felix..."

I looked up at her face; she apparently had a realization. From what I saw, she was hiding something behind her back and when she revealed it to me...

"Remember this?" She asked and handed it to me.

It was a pressed flower bookmark...but looking at it closely...it was the first flower bracelet I made for Eva as children in Sydney! I was in disbelief and had no words to express.

Learning that she had kept the chorizema bracelet for a long time just moved my heart and my eyes began to water. Feeling a knot tying into my throat, I let out a quiet laugh to contain my tears and asked her that my voice sounded a bit shaky,

"You kept this for a long time, did you?"

"It was proof that I met a wonderful person who gave me reassurance. It boosted my confidence in making friends at an early age and in myself as a person. To think the bracelet was made by my soulmate, my white swan, was beyond my wildest imagination." She admitted as small tears brimmed around her eyes.

"I'm glad you kept it. Because it's proof that I have someone who loves me waiting for me, whether or not we both knew it. Fate brought me back to you so I could tell you what I longed to say for a while now: I love you Eva Harlow." I confessed my love for her.

The most beautiful happy grin grew into her lips and I smiled back in response. Noticing the black swan necklace hanging around her neck, I touched the black swan charm before tucking some strands of her long brown hair behind her ear and cupping her face gently with my hand. I felt her fingers touching my white swan charm from the necklace; her hands cupped my face and at least expected–not before gazing at each other's eyes lovingly...

She leaned to me, narrowing the gap between our faces as I immediately closed my eyes...

https://youtu.be/hiQieuMeE_M

(A/N: Play this 👆 while you continue reading below.)

And I felt it.

Her lips gently pressed onto mine.

Then I kissed back, feeling the warmth and love I feel for her within me. I suddenly felt light as if I was floating on air. As if a heavy burden finally lifted up from my shoulders. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her close to me. The gentle wind enveloped us in our romantic embrace and kiss. As I felt her arms wrapping around my neck, my lips slid against hers delicately and I began to deepen the kiss in a slow and gentle way.

I was right before–her lips felt so smooth...like two soft petals of light pink rose. And they taste like sweet nectar, making me mentally gush over. The aching desire of wanting her lips on mine again after a while...is now a delighted satisfaction. Just having her lips onto mine makes my heart pound faster and my adrenaline rush like streaming rivers of living water. I feel like I'm on cloud nine right now.

My mind cannot comprehend how beautiful her confession to me is, throughout that beautiful drawing of the swans. Even the kiss she just led moments ago.

This is actually our third kiss but...this is our first kiss as an official couple.

Today is not only the best day of our lives, but also the best start of our relationship. Now I can't wait to make new memories with my girlfriend from now on.

I was Cupid, making two people fall in love. One day...I shot myself with my own arrow. Not because I wanted to die. However, I wanted to risk everything for the most beautiful girl I fell for at first sight.

She's my Psyche. She looks at me deeply into my eyes as if she's looking through my soul.

No soul is perfect, yet it's beautiful with flaws.

She may not have butterfly wings behind her back, but she makes my heart flutter like a thousand pairs of butterfly wings.

I may not have wings to fly or shoot arrows, but I'm sure I shot her heart and made her soul fly with me.

She's my black swan...and I'm her white swan.

We're meant to fly high...and reach up to the stars.

I let her love me...and she let me love her.

I love you, Eva.

Je t'aime, Eva.

Te amo, Eva.

Eva saranghaeyo.