Another Fairy Tale /Ateez

Chapter 30 - We're all in this together

I know how you were
Just thinking about it makes my heart ache
I can't open my firm hands
Will you survive?

- Be with you, Ateez

The whole next day, nothing was able to wash away the smile on Rory's face. Not even the looks of other students or her low points in history. Not even the rain splashing against the windows making her realize, she would have to walk through this mess. 

Whenever she remembered the night before, her heartbeat began to increase. Of course all her classmates noticed Rory's mood change but no one dared to say a thing. Her friends assumed it was just because of her birthday yesterday but Rory knew better. 

Once again, bored in philosophy class, Rory played with the ring on her finger, almost squealing out loud. The rest of the night had been beautiful and it was all just thanks to Yunho. Just stargazing with him had been one of the most beautiful things in Rory's life. She remembered the smile he had on his face when she said 'I love you too'. Just this smile was proving Rory she indeed did love him. 

On the other hand Rory couldn't help but feel a bit scared. She had never been in love with anyone before. Had never dated. Rory remembered having had a crush on Seungmin but that feeling was gone soon as well. 

The ringing of the school bell tore everyone out of their thoughts. All students immediately started packing up, leaving Rory alone. She took her time today. 

A smile still on her face she walked down the empty hallways and passed the wall covered with pictures. Of course her eyes immediately searched for Yunho and when she spotted him, her heart jumped a beat. 

A question came into Rory's mind. Why hadn't she fallen in love with him before? Of course Rory had thought he was handsome and funny but she had never felt more. Cursing herself for not realizing earlier, Rory shook her head, trying not to think about if it would have made a difference. All these 'What if' questions in her head were messing with Rory and despite knowing that she couldn't stop. 

The umbrella tight in her hand, Rory made her way to the memorial. She wanted to visit it, reminding herself there were other people to fight for. Rory was aware of the fact that she couldn't save everyone but if she could save the boys maybe Danbi and the other victims would find peace as well. 

Her head hung low Rory didn't look into the face of the woman she passed in the park. Both women had their umbrellas close, trying to get no rain on them. 

The woman on the other hand tried to wipe away her tears with her sweater. She held a picture in her hands and smiled sadly. When she got to her car, she immediately got rid of her rain coat, not wanting to get the seat get wet. Then the woman turned back and patted her sleeping sons head who woke up to that. He was only one month old and the woman was doing her best to care for him. Even though her wife was trying to work only part time both women had to organize everything perfectly. 

The woman smiled at her adopted son. "If Yeosang could've seen you. He would be a proud uncle." 

Ms. Kang dried her tears and smiled at the photo of Yeosang she kept in her wallet. Their parents didn't approve of her decision to marry another woman, saying it was an embarrassment for the family. The only person who had supported her, was Yeosang. But now he was gone.

The baby started crying and the woman turned around to comfort him. "It's okay. He's still here, right?" 

Yeosang's sister started the car and drove to her safe place, her wife, hoping her brother was somewhere safe.