UNFULFILLED PROMISE ; [윤정한 x 최승철]

Epilogue

It's been a month after what happened. Cheolhan was sentenced for a lifetime imprisonment, while Jihyang and Siwoo are sentenced 2 years in jail for what they did to Soohyang.

Jeonghan finally debuted with the Vocal Team, and today is their first performance.

He was busy preparing at the backstage, when an unexpected guest came inside. It was Yoonwoo, with his girlfriend, Somi.

"I'll leave you two for a couple of minutes," Somi said before leaving them alone inside the dressing room.

"Jeonghan-ah," Yoonwoo started off. "I just wanted to thank you. For everything. It's very nice to be friends with you since the beginning. You're my greatest love, and even though you didn't love me the way I do before, I'm still glad that you stayed by my side. But for now, I wanna say goodbye."

"Huh? Why?" Jeonghan seemed confused.

"Somi and I are gonna migrate together in the US. We're going with Soohyang." Yoonwoo said, and Jeonghan nods as he understands.

"Thank you too. Thank you for being such a good friend through ups and downs. I wish for your endless happiness." Jeonghan smiled and gave Yoonwoo the tightest hug he could ever give.

Yoonwoo released himself from the hug and chuckled, "I guess a hug for a couple seconds is already enough. Once Seungcheol sees this, he will surely get jealous." Yoonwoo laughed, and do so Jeonghan.

After bidding a goodbye, Yoonwoo left with Somi and went to the audience to watch the performance of the Vocal Team.

But then, the door swung open when another unexpected visitor came. Cho Soohyang.

Jeonghan got shocked so he uttered her name, "S-Soohyang.."

"Are you surprised to see me?" Soohyang chuckled. She changed her hairdo. From a long hair, she cut her hair off.

"Honestly, yes." Jeonghan tried to chuckle out the awkwardness he feels around her.

"I'm here to say sorry." Soohyang said and lowered down her head. "I know sorry isn't enough for everything I've done to you. I was just so stupid on stooping down that low. I just really thought that Seungcheol is the only way to stop my parents from making me marry Choi Cheolhan. I didn't know that things will end like this."

"I understand your case, Soohyang. Don't worry. I already forgave you." Jeonghan held her hands and gave her the warmest smile.

"Seungcheol is so lucky to have you." Soohyang smiled and hugged Jeonghan.

"I hope you can find someone meant for you." Jeonghan smiled and pats Soohyang's back.

"I hope so too. Maybe in US?" Soohyang chuckled. They became friends on the spot.

"I'm gonna watch your performance. I'm sure he's watching too." Soohyang smiled and left Jeonghan inside the dressing room.

"I'm sure he is.." Jeonghan mumbles and prepared himself to get out.

-

Screams could be heard. Chanting every name of the members of the Vocal Team.

"Let's now welcome, THE VOCAL TEAM!" Jieun, the emcee called them out.

The members went out one by one. The five of them positioned themselves, Jeonghan being the center of the group.

"Before anything else.." Jeonghan spoke at the mic and his eyes directly went at the very end of the audience.

There, he saw Seungcheol's proud face. Jeonghan felt like crying in happiness.

"I'd like to dedicate this song to the love of my life that I will always choose whatever happens. I dedicate this song to you, titled, Second Life."

The song then played, and the song starts with Jeonghan's sweet voice.

♪ If a second life that’s
different from now is to come to me
Will I be by your side? Will you be by my side? ♪

♪ I imagine things like this
Even if they’re words I mentioned as a joke
Will you believe me?
Even if it’s a funny imagination ♪

♪ On a sudden day when I’m left alone
I’ll take my steps towards you again ♪

♪ When I see my face in your two eyes
As if the world has stopped, I will hug you ♪

♪ If I am given a second life
I may live and breathe differently compared to now
Among the streets we’ll walk past each other without knowing
I hope we remember each other Even in our next life Even at that time, I’ll go to you ♪

♪ We’re already beautiful
I like it because it’s us
No words are necessary
The gaze, the touch ♪

♪ Even if a second life that’s
Different from now comes to me
The one thing I can say is
That I’m going to be by your side ♪

♪ On a sudden day when I’m left alone
I’ll take my steps towards you again ♪

♪ When I see my face in your two eyes
As if the world has stopped, I will hug you ♪

♪ If I am given a second life
I may live and breathe differently compared to now
Among the streets we’ll walk past each other without knowing
I hope we remember each other
Even in our next life Even at that time, I’ll go to you ♪

♪ Being forgotten is common
Why are those common occurrences
Rather not easy for me? ♪

♪ Second life, second life
I know it can’t go my way ♪

♪ If I am given a second life
I may live and breathe differently compared to now
Among the streets we’ll walk past each other without knowing
I hope we remember each other Even in our next life Even at that time, I’ll go to you... ♪

The song ended and a lot of people are cheering. But only one cheer could light up Jeonghan's mood. And that is Seungcheol's never ending cheer.

-

Cold breeze is touching Jeonghan's skin as he feels the wind with him. Standing in front of the columbarium, he cried.

"How I wish you're with me." Jeonghan looked at the picture frame of Seungcheol inside.

"It's been a month since you're gone, but I can still see your face everywhere I go." Jeonghan cried out loud.

Seungcheol didn't make it. There's one thing that he didn't fulfill. It's his promise of not leaving Jeonghan anymore and won't let go of him again.

Jeonghan took out a small box in his pocket. It was the box that he gave back to Seungcheol before. The box that has the Eternity ring inside it.

"Our eternity ended and you already fulfilled your promises."

Jeonghan took out the ring and placed it on his ring finger looking at Seungcheol's columbarium. It's so heartbreaking that he has to lose Seungcheol in order to live. That it's Seungcheol's life in exchange of those promises.

"I will choose you forever. See you in our second life, Cheollie. I love you until infinity."

The End.

***

- 01.31.22