secret doors. yjw

. . . ⇢ 15 ˎˊ˗

"let me go," arah pleaded, her voice trembling causing jungwon to gradually loosen his grip on her wrist. he could sense the fear in her voice earlier even though he couldn't see her face.

"arah..."

jungwon called out but she didn't look back and started walking away, leaving jungwon standing there- watching her. he wanted to stop her but he didn't know how. he didn't want to force her.

he couldn't.

arah continued walking, slow and hugging herself. and truth to be told.. she really wanted to stop herself from walking away, she wanted to talk to him, to approach him and embrace him but fear held her back.

but arah suddenly paused as a whisper reached her ear.

"how long will you let fear control you and keep pushing him away? remember, this is the last chance.. and the end."

and because of that she suddenly woke up, snapped back to reality and became aware of the truth. she slowly smiled sadly and turned to where jungwon was- which surprised him.

before jungwon could even speak, arah couldn't hold back any longer and ran towards him- embracing him tightly, melting his heart even more.

"a-a-arah..." he uttered in disbelief.

"let me hold you for now please," she pleaded.

granting arah's request jungwon allowed himself to be held, as if losing himself in her embrace. he couldn't explain it but this hug felt familiar as if he had experienced it before.

jungwon remained lost in thought for a while until his eyes widened, remembering whom he had felt this warmth of embrace with.

"m-mika..."

when jungwon said that he slowly broke away from arah's embrace. he looked straight into her eyes and she did the same. in that moment, jungwon's lips formed "O" looking at her in disbelief.

"a-a-all the feelings i have for you that i thought were new, they weren't really.. because i've felt them for you since long ago. your presence.. your gaze.. and your embrace are all the same as her."

"tell me.. are you her? are you.. really mika?"

arah's eyes widened at what jugwon said. tears welled up in her eyes and she remained silent, gazing into his eyes. when jungwon saw the tears rolling down her cheek, he instinctively pulled arah back into his arms.

everything is clear now.

"so, you're my butterfly."

"w-w-wonnie," arah stammered.

jungwon pulled away from the hug and wiped away the tears on arah's cheek, unaware that he, too, was shedding tears. "w-why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"i-i-i was scared. i didn't want to hurt you again once you recognized me because i'm just passing through this world temporarily and this body.. belongs to its true owner," she explained.

"m-mika..."

"w-wonnie, today is my last day. i-i-i have to go back..."

jungwon averted his gaze, discreetly wiping his tears. "i see. you're happy there, right?"

a gentle smile curved on her lips as she cupped jungwon's cheek, causing their eyes to meet once again. "i am happy, but it's different when i'm with you..."

a smile slowly spread across jungwon's face. he took her hand from his cheek, kissed it firmly and held it tightly.

"we'll be together eventually, i promise."

she smiled in return. "when the right time comes wonnie, at the right moment we'll be together again but for now i can't stay."

jungwon opened his mouth, but no words came out. he smiled instead. in their final moments they embraced each other once more, both crying tears of joy and sorrow.

and in the secret depths of their hearts, a symphony of emotions intertwined with perfect harmony.

as the fated hour draws near they will embark on a new chapter of their enchanting love tale. in that magical moment, an unwavering assurance will envelop their beings, effortlessly melting away any lingering doubts or obstacles that may dare to hinder their deep affection.

their hearts will flutter, entwined in a celestial dance of everlasting love as they embrace the promise of a future adorned with unbreakable bonds and boundless bliss.

someday.