The Seven

Chapter 54: You're My Everything

After their discussion had ended, they marched out of the entertainment building. They chatted for a couple of minutes to reschedule their work days for their current jobs. They gave a firm embrace with one another and pat on the back before parting their ways.

"Let's go out to have dinner together," Hwan suggested.

"Hmm. That sounds a good idea," he agreed as the two of them were walking side by side.

"I'll see you soon," Jiyoo reminded and waved goodbye at Bryan, who did the same as well.

"That's right. My car is not here. I'll commute from here," He sighed serenely to himself and shoved his hands inside his pockets. His eyes startled at the bus arriving on the way and he quickly ran up to the stop. The doors opened and he hopped in to pay at the machine. Thoughts came flooding in his mind and he tried to contact his friend. However, his phone battery was drained, much to his exasperation.

Later on, the masked hooded figure was strolling down the sidewalk. They brushed past the people, who have unusual stares towards the person.

"Who's that?" A guy gawked oddly.

"No clue. Maybe this dude is in a black cloak cosplay," his friend guessed.

"That's not the right color," the other one chortled, then the three of them were walking away as they were making jokes about him.

Nevertheless, he didn't care one bit.

"I've cried enough tears to see my own reflection in them,

And then it was clear, I can't deny

I really miss it..."

His hand was held out and hovered his gaze at the glass window shop. They saw all the beautiful displays of expensive souvenirs and gifts. A couple of voices were resonating behind them, which they peeked over their shoulder to see little kids with their parents.

"Mommy, mommy. I want another candy," the girl whined.

"No, sweetie. You already have one," the mother replied gently.

"Can I have another doll to play with?" The girl pouted sadly.

"That's why we're here. Come on, let's head inside," the mother chirped.

"Be careful. You don't want to spoil our princess," the father chuckled.

"I'm not. Don't worry," the mother said grinning and shook her head discreetly.

They push the door that rings the bell, which signals new customers. They went in, whereas the masked hooded figure was staring at them contentedly in silence.

"To think that I was wrong

I guess you don't know what you got 'til it's gone

Pain is just a consequence of love

I'm saying sorry for the sake of us..."

From that moment on, young couples were sitting on the bench and riding bicycles while they were blowing bubbles in the air. His eyes were glistening and pondered briefly, just how they are cozy they seem to be.

"He wasn't my everything 'til we were nothing

And it's taken me a lot to say

And now that he's gone, my heart is missing something

So it's time to push my pride away

'Cause you are, you are, you are my everything

You are, you are, you are my everything."

The masked hooded figure noticed other people carrying lanterns and became skeptical. Yet, he was very anticipating the moment he saw what they were about to do. At a quick pace, he was following closely behind them and hurried over to reach the rooftop balcony in the tallest building.

Everyone was in amazement as they were chatting amongst themselves, filled with no worries or doubts. They were simply enjoying their time together. With realization, it is a celebration of the Jinju NamGang Lantern Festival that commemorates the fallen soldiers, who fought at war.

The rest of the citizens were hanging by the NamGang River in each of the boats, whilst holding onto their own lanterns. Various colorful creations and gigantic handicrafts were shown diversely.

"I know you're not far, but I still can't handle all the distance

You're traveling with my heart

I hope this is a temporary feeling

'Cause it's too much to bear without you

When I lose sight, ain't lookin'

If I go tomorrow, just know I'm yours

'Cause what we got is worth fighting for..."

He was standing in the back and felt someone was poking his arm. His body turned around to see a little boy standing and gesturing the lantern forward to him. The hooded figure thanked him.

"Why do you have a mask on?" He wondered and lightly pointed his finger on his chin.

"Yeonji, hun. Don't question a stranger that way," a voice scolded.

The two of them looked up to see his mother's irritated expression.

She approached his son, saying. "What did I tell you not to ask certain questions? You're making him uncomfortable-"

"Um, ma'am. It's alright. He was just being generous and only wanted to give out a lantern," the hooded figure answered mildly.

"Is that true?" His mother asked in startlement.

"Hmm," the hooded figure nodded curtly.

"I see... I'm sorry about that. My son tends to be very open and civil with people in the community," his mother apologized.

"No worries," the hooded figure chuckled in amusement.

"Anyway, we'll be going now. Take care, sir. Come on, Yeonji," his mother said as she faced her back and started walking away.

Yeonji, on the other hand, was about to go after his mother, but he stopped when he pulled a tiny four-leaf clover. He went up to the hooded figure and handed it to him. "For good luck. Bye, mister!" He made a quick wave at him and was running to follow his mother.

The hooded figure tilted his head down to stare at his palm. He couldn't help but smile genuinely at the boy in the thought of his good heart.

"Cause you were, you were my everything 'til we were nothing

And it's taken me a lot to say,

And now that you're gone, my heart is missing something

So it's time to push my pride away..."

All of them were counting for ten seconds and they closed their eyes to make a wish before releasing the lanterns from their hands.

The hooded figure slowly let it go by lifting it up with the tip of his finger. He was viewing many of them floating higher in the sky all at once.

"You are, you are, you are my everything

You are, you are, you are my everything

You are, you are, you are

You are, you are, you are my everything..."