My Love... by My Side [COMPLETED]

20: My Love... By My Side

He tiptoed towards the window, looking around to see if anyone was still awake and might witness his act, which resembled that of a thief. He glanced at the garage, relieved to find no cars around. Great! Next, he looked up at the window upstairs, cleared his throat, and prepared for action. Holding some pebbles in his palm, he threw them at the window.

"Psst... Rae... Rae..!" he whispered, striking a balance between being audible enough for her to hear but not loud enough to attract unwanted attention. He waited eagerly for a response. When he got none, he threw another pebble, hoping it would catch Rae's attention.

The window slowly swung open, and the girl with sleepy eyes appeared. She looked at him, blinking in surprise.

"Hi, honey!" he waved at her.

"Youn, what are you doing here?!" she nearly whispered, trying to control her volume.

"You didn't come today," he pouted, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I can't! Dad was home..." she looked at him with a sad expression.

"I know. That's why I came! I wanted to cheer you up," he said, holding up his guitar.

"What are you doing?" she asked, feeling concerned that the neighbors might hear him.

"Don't worry; it will only be loud for your ears," he smiled reassuringly.

With that, he strummed the strings, playing a few chords...

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This brings back a memory. He, the one who stands there, watching them from inside through the window.

"I hope this will make you open your heart for me once again, Rae..." he thinks.

He strums the guitar, playing some chords. The sound attracts Mint, who is standing near the window.

"Rae! Look!" he smiles as he grabs her wrist and shows her the view. Rae is dragged to the window. She looks at Youn, who is still adjusting the guitar strings. He then gazes back at Rae, who stands there looking at him with sorrowful eyes. She remembers this moment very well. It's a memory that can never leave her mind.

Youn looks at his friends and brother, who are still sitting around the bonfire, waiting for him to complete his dare challenge. Little does he know that it would bring back memories. They give him encouraging gestures. He gulps as he looks back at both Mint and Rae.

"This might end up romantic," Mint whispers to Rae. She doesn't react, just stands there like a rock.

Youn takes a deep breath. The image of her looking from the window ten years ago suddenly reappears. Now, she's looking from the same spot, only at a different house. And one thing Youn can agree on is that she still looks beautiful, just like old times.

He strums the guitar, recalling the song he had played before.

The day all my love leaves is,
When while I'm with you behind your laughter
My foolish greed and much lingering feelings arise
And I wonder if you will be there, perhaps not

The sweet melody fills the air, and tears begin to well up in Rae's eyes as she listens to the song. It's a beautiful song, one that holds so many memories for her. Memories of love, happiness, and heartache. Memories that she had buried deep inside, trying to move on and forget the pain.

But now, here he is, standing there, playing the song again after so long. It stirs up all those buried emotions, and she can't help but feel overwhelmed. The lyrics speak to her heart, and she finds herself lost in the bittersweet nostalgia of their past.