Baby Don't Cry [D.O.] ✔

Chapter One

Update: edited 12/18/20

word count: 3728

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1.1

We exchange our fates
That are headed toward each other
As much as there was no choice
but for us to go awry
I know we have loved that much more

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I took a sip of the punch that was given by a student committee member earlier. I leaned on the balcony of the mezzanine of the school auditorium, overlooking the throngs of students in winter themed gowns and suits, mingling on the dance floor. Curtains of different shades of blue were draped around the place in a fashionable design. On the sides and corners of the place, white cloth were arranged in a pattern which made it look like sheets of snow on the ground. Papers that were shaped into snowflakes hung on the ceilings. On the stage was a huge 3D backdrop of a winter forest and on the center was a huge banner with letters in bold calligraphy: Ulsan High School Winter Masquerade Ball Batch 2010-2011.

The student committee surely outdid themselves this year.

The funny thing, though, was that it's not even winter yet. Our peculiar school chose to throw a winter ball two months before Christmas every school year.

No one cared though.

My eyes roamed back on the dance floor, searching for a certain brunette. It was not hard though. I had seen her come in earlier so I knew that she wore a magnificent, baby blue gown. I recognized her immediately for her brown mass of curly hair and silent demeanor despite the blue, laced mask that she wore. Currently, I saw her at the far corner of the room, her place adjacent to the refreshments table. As usual, she tried to blend into the background and stayed away from people. She sat silently there, staring off space, her hands fiddling with the hem of her gown. I could tell she's uncomfortable with this set-up. She never liked gatherings, she never liked crowds, and she never liked people. She preferred to be alone at all times but since the school said that the attendance to the ball is mandatory, she didn't have much choice.

How did I know all of this?

I spent almost three years of my life watching and observing her.

I know. Its creepy.

But I didn't have bad intentions.

My vision glazed over as I was engulfed in memories.

Three years ago...

It was summer when I was playing ball on our front yard. I hadn't realized that I kicked it too hard that it rolled fast towards the street. I went after it. I bent down and was about to pick it up when a loud honk startled me that I fell to the ground. I looked up and saw a car and a truck behind it.

The driver, who looked like a man in his forties, looked at me through his side window, his face contorted into a snarl. "Hey young man, you wanna get killed? Get out of the way!"

I retrieved my ball and stood up, dusting myself as I did so. I shrugged at him and turned to walk away. I stood to the sidewalk near our front yard and watched as the car advanced, the truck followed suit.