Back to you (TOTNT 1938 Lee rang version)

12. I cannot promise that

Y/n

''Do you know who's Yeon meeting ?'' Rang asked as he walked alongside me back to Myoyeongak. We were busy searching for clues at the hair salon until so late, there are very less people on the streets now. Also, the path to Myoyeongak is pretty quiet and there aren't much people around. Only burglars or thieves probably. But what do I have to worry about ? I left my treasure back at home.

''I dont know. Just what he told you, he's meeting someone who can help us find out more about that cream.'' Yeon used the pronoun 'her' and when I asked him about it, he said i'll probably see her soon. And when I do, i'll be shocked.
''Why are you doing this ? Helping us find that masked guy.'' Because I too want revenge, dummy. I will pay him back for what he did to you. Since when did I become like this, you ask ? It's a side. I wont just sit idly if someone hurts my loved ones. I dont want to physically hurt him or anything, just pay for what he did. That's why I am doing this. Another reason, because it's you Rang.

''Because I want to.'' Thats all I can tell you at the moment. I think I now know how Rang felt when he approached me after I was reincarnated. He probably had a lot to say but he couldn't. He probably wanted to be there for me on my dull days, and comfort me or hug me and never let go. And the truth is, he still managed to do all of that, making sure I was safe and protected at the same time. I dont know how he did it, because im currently struggling.

''How do you know Yeon ?'' He asked again. I gave him the look I give him when he asks me more than a question in a day, only this time I was just being playful.
''C'mon, it's not the question. If you glare at me everytime I ask you more than one thing, how are we gonna talk ?'' He's cute when he's frustrated. I just smile dropping my fake straight face.
''It's been a few years since I got to know him. But it turned out I knew him way before that, I just didn't remember. He's helped me a lot and he's like an older brother to me.'' None of that is a lie so I didn't break the rule, right ?

''What about your parents ?''
''They passed away.'' That may have come to him as unexpected because he stopped in his tracks looking at me with soft eyes.
''It's been a long while now.'' I added indicating that im alright now, if he cares. I just look like y/n to him, you know.
''So, are you going to ask me about my favorite colour and food next ?'' I asked trying to make the atmosphere a little lighter.
''Black. Galbi Jjim*.'' Was he waiting for this moment ? I dug my own grave.
''Well...., I wouldn't exactly say black but I do like minimalism. And I like spicy food so Budae jjigae*, Galbi Jjim*, Donkatsu*, I like everything.'' That went smooth....
Right ?

Galbi Jjim* - Braised short-ribs
Budae jjigae* - Army stew
Donkatsu* - Spicy pork cutlet

We were almost there, a minute walk and we'd be standing in front of the gates of Myoyeongak. But my life is dramatic so to add to the situation, it suddenly started raining. My lips curled into a smile as the first few raindrops fell on my face when it drizzled then the rain poured heavily.
I looked to my right to see Rang with an equally opposite expression than mine. He looked sad. His face stiff because he was clenching his jaw looking at the rain around him, standing frozen.

Right, I think I know. I held his hand, connecting our fingers which made him look at me, instantly bringing him out of his faze. I gave him an assuring look,
''Match your pace.'' I said as I hurriedly walked with him to Myoyeongak's gate. I could feel his hold tightening as we entered Myoyeongak still sprinting towards the roof before his room. I huffed a little as we stood under the shelter of the roof, looking at the rain while Rang was unaffected by the mini marathon.

I smiled as memories flashed across my mind. I hated when it rained, it felt ominous to me probably because it was raining a storm on the day I died in my past life. But have you heard about the thing where we create happy memories with things, places or people associated with the previously bad memories ? That happened to me. When Rang and I ran in the rain, laughing as we raced to his car while he held his jacket over us, that changed things for me (ref chapter 22 'How they met' - Cruel fate).
Because that memory of an unfortunate event has been replaced with one that makes me smile. It's safe to say, I now like rain because of Rang.

So, when I saw the look on Rang's face I knew he was feeling the same thing I once felt, for the same reason too. I looked at him to find him already looking at me, then my eyes trail down to my hand still holding onto his. Y/n, you dumbhead. He's not your husband at the moment.
''Because it started raining and you would get drained if you stood there any longer. So I had to.....--'' I started explaining him, moving my only free hand animatedly in the air because, he won't let go of my hand.

''Rang, you--''
''Did you two just reach here ? Looks like the rain got you, how'd that happen ?'' Yeon said casually entering a tensioned frame but that did not make Rang's gaze falter from my face. I'll never get used to that.
''Maybe cause not everyone goes around carrying an umbrella no matter what season.'' Either dear Orabeoni has to leave or take his brother with him.
''Uh uh, got it. Good night.'' He said as he entered his room giving me a wink....? I think he does not clearly understand the situation.

''You.... Should go too. It's pretty late. Plus we have to reach the hair salon on time tomorrow or the director is going to--''
''Y/n......

Will you hold me, just for a while ?'' I blinked cause I needed to break eye contact with him even if it was for a mili second. I just looked at him still contemplating what I should do.
''Please.'' He added breaking my heart a little. But I can't let my emotions get the best of me right now.
''I will......
But do not ask of me more than that again, okay ?'' He still remained silent. I slowly let my hand from his hold as I embraced him. He held me closer as if he's been wanting to do this since, ever. I could hear his heart beat turning normal, and his warm breath fanning on my neck when he replied almost in a whisper,
''I cannot promise that.''

A/N

Hey people,
4.5k+ !!? *fainted* (I love y'all T T)

Also, mini quiz for y'all. How many times has Rang called y/n by her name in 1938 ?