raiakishi-blog

[raiakishi-blog]

Beautiful Distraction

Idea: The idea of this story came about after i watched the music video from ZIA Feat. Davichi titled “If you loved me”.I took the idea from the main character played by Hoya(former member of kpop group Infinite).In the video he played the character of a guy who is so artistic unfortunately over time his vision starts to deteriorate and eventually he became blind.I am not calling this a fanfiction but rather a fiction from my own imagination as i am not using Hoya as the character in my story.I am just merely borrowing the idea from the role he played in the music video.This is my first time writing and if you guys happened to chance upon this piece please give me your full support.I apologize if there is any similarities to anyone or anything.Thank you and let’s get started.

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Intro: His only wish is to see Her smile.Her wish.......is Him.They say the road to happiness isn’t always easy.The road to love is even more complicated.She has her own battle to fight and that battle is killing her from inside.She knows it’s impossible but for Him she will do it even if it takes on her life.Because she realized between fighting the battle and fulfilling her wish,He is the distraction but His beauty is something for Her to behold.He was Her Beautiful Distraction.

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Chapter 1: Hard truth.Blissful encounter

  “So how long more is it then?” i asked, my voice slightly shaking trying to hold back my tears. Dr.Park shook his head and he removed his glasses that had been balancing almost to the tip of his nose,the way a mad scientist would be seen wearing in those sci-fi movie.As he gently placed the glasses on the table he gave me a look between being annoyed and assured at the same time “Leya, you know how i hate when a patient starts asking me ‘How long?’ or ‘How much time left?’ he stopped and put his glasses back on the same way he did before as he scrutinize the medical slip that is in his hand.This time he gave me a concerning look like a father talking to her daughter “ Leya, i may be a good doctor but i’m afraid i don’t have the answer to your question.Look Leya, the fate of someone is not in the hands of a doctor like me but it is all up to God’s will.My job is to help every single patient who walks through that door to the best of my ability and make sure every one of them feels that they still have something to grip on to and that is hope.Keep your prayers close to your heart Leya and i too will do the same thing for you”.I only managed to nod obediently to his explanation.At that moment a nurse walked in and Dr.Park handed her some files together with the slip of prescriptions that he had just scribbled his initials on.He notions to the nurse to lead me to the door.I got up and thanked Dr.Park before making my way to the door. “Leya please stay healthy and take good care of yourself ok?I’ll see you in a month time” Dr. Park reminded me of my next appointment with him and i know he was expecting an answer from me but instead i only turned my head slightly to the side and gave him a confirming nod.

  Dr.Park Kim Byun has been my permanent practitioner from the very beginning i discovered that i have liver cancer.I only discovered it late last year when me and my best friend Amber were busy with the start up and setting up of our Gallery.I remember having an on and off fever and it was only when i experienced a really bad backache that i consulted Dr.Park and it was only to my despair when Dr.Park told me that i am at stage 3 and the only way for me to be cured is through operation and chemotherapy.But i decide to forego all that treatment thinking about the cost and also the Gallery that me and Amber had just start up.It was a huge risk making that decision of not going for treatment and just relying solely on medications to keep me going from day to day.I don’t want my health issue to be a burden on Amber as she has invested a lot in the opening of our Gallery even though the idea of opening it comes from me.All those factors somehow makes me even more determined to try to fight that “beast”.I know it will only eat me up from inside with time but i’m left with no choice.That Taurus alter ego in me always wanna challenge myself and for being emotionally strong as one of the traits of a Taurus, i know i will be able to keep it together.(But damn was i wrong for thinking out lout.I know i’m not kidding myself as the medications prescribed to me lately had a fairly high dosage in them to help ease the pain when it strikes.)

  The nurse showed me to the seats right in front of the pharmacy counters.It’s a busy day and the pharmacy is crowded with people waiting in queue for their medications. Noticing that the seat in front of me is empty, i stretched my legs and tilt my head back as i rest it on the chair i am sitting on. Every now and then i glanced up to the LCD screen above me to check on the queue number. There are still 7 more patients ahead of me.I turn my head slightly to the right as i observed the pharmacy when suddenly my eyes caught hold of the view in front of me.Right at the far end of the row of seats is a guy sitting so upright and looking down on his feet. For a moment i thought to myself ‘Why is he so stiffed?Normal people don’t do that’.I brushed the thought away and gandered at his perfectly sculpted features.His hair is burgundy brown but a little messy but still looks pleasantly kept.His pointed nose looks exactly like those of an anime character and his jawline is just so perfectly shaped and i swear if i were to swipe my finger across it will cut me.Yeah, pretty exaggerating but that is how attracted i am to this beautiful human.He is wearing a hooded denim jacket with jeans and paired up with a Nike Air Jordan sneakers.One of my favorite kicks to be exact.Suddenly my daydream was cut short by the ringing of my mobile phone.I rummaged through my tote bag trying to look for my phone and when i finally got it i swipe the green logo across and before i could say “Hello”,Amber’s voice pierced through my ear making me pull the phone away a little sparing my eardrums.”Yah! Where are you?” Amber demanded and i can tell from her tone she is really angry. I swallowed hard as i answered her “Babe, i’m actually still outside right now but will be done soon....” before i could continue Amber barged in again “What do you mean you’re still outside?!Do you know what time it is already?Where exactly are you?” I look at the time on my watch and ‘OMG!!’ yes i am 30 minutes passed the time that i had promised Amber i would report to the Gallery. “Babe, i’m seriously sorry.It’s just that i was caught up with something really important just now..” again Amber cut me “What is important?” i fumbled a little when i tried to answer her this time “ I...It’s...It’s just that i went to the Doc...” I almost blurt it out but immediately change the topic “ I mean i went to get some documents to erm...” just then i caught my queue number being flashed on the LCD screen and i quickly excuse myself from the conversation “ Right, babe i’ll call you back again.I need to go.Bye” i chucked the phone into my bag and hurried off to the counter to get my medicines.I could actually hear Amber continuously calling out to me on the other line as i put my phone away.If there is anything that i had been keeping really discreetly is my health condition.Nobody knows.Not even Amber.

  As i made my way to the pharmacy exit leading straight to the main road,i was struggling to keep the documents into my bag.I always have a habit of putting all the important documents pertaining to my medical checkup in a file.As i fiddled around with it trying to separate the receipts and medical result slip into its respective slots i felt a nudged on my left elbow causing the papers to be strewn all over the floor.Frustrated at the sudden gesture,i immediately kneel down to pick up the papers and not caring to check who had bumped into me. “Yah! Are you blind or what?!” i chided as i pick up the papers one by one feeling irritated as my hair come in the way covering my view.Suddenly a hand met mine as it also struggle to help pick up the papers.I pulled my hand away and tucked part of my hair that is covering my left view behind my ear.I froze,and i swear my breathing stopped abruptly and i could feel my heart almost jolting out from my chest.Standing right in front of me with his hand outstretched handing me the piece of paper that he had help pick up is the guy whom i saw at the pharmacy earlier.”I guess this belongs to you miss?” he said calmly but his eyes not meeting mine.I shook my head to kick me out from the daze and took the paper from his hands.It was then that i realized that his other hand is hold on to a walking aid the ones a blind person would use to help them navigate their way.It was at that moment i realized how hasty and rude my words were earlier.”I’m really,really,really sorry Sir.Please don’t get me wrong.I don’t mean to say those words..i..i..” i was stuttering trying to explain myself for being so ignorant and ruthless to him.”No need to explain yourself.He gets that all the time” out of nowhere a middle aged man appeared as he ushered ‘the guy’ into the car that is parked right in front of where i’m standing.”Master Kang,let’s go”.’The guy’ got into the backseat of the car and just before the middle aged man close the car door he turned to give me a final dissatisfied look almost one that could actually eat my soul right there and then and warned me “ Please be a little more observant the next time young lady.And of course watch your tounge” and in a jiff he got into the driver side and drove off leaving me dumbfounded and regretful at my foul mouth.Just then my phone rang again and i don’t even need to guess who it is anymore.Instead of answering Amber’s call i reject and text her instead that i am not feeling good and decides to just head home and rest.Ending my text with a sick and a blow a kiss emoticon hoping that Amber would at least spare me this time,Instead she replied ‘ You have a lot of explanation to do’ followed by an angry face emoticon.Not one but three of them.3 is a charm they say well at least not for me.I know i was being selfish to Amber today but after what happened with that awkward encounter between me and ‘the guy’ and the not so satisfied answer that i got from Dr.Park it just dissolve my whole mood today to report for work at the Gallery.All i want to do now is to get home and bury my head in my pillows to forget all the mishaps that has happened to me.Talking about a day gone bad.Well at least i get to know what His name is.Master Kang.At least that’s the only thing that did not dampened my mood so much.

Chapter 2: Confrontation

  I felt my feet kicked something hard and as i rolled over to see what was it that had woken me up from my slumber.Amber was sitting at the edge of my bed reading a piece of paper. “Hey did you just came back?” i asked as i sat up rubbing my eyes to clear my vision. Without warning Amber stood up and start shouting at me “Why didn’t you tell me?Am i not important to you?Huh!” i was dumbfounded and was still half dazed. “What do you mean?” i asked curiously. Amber glared as she shoved me the paper she was tentatively reading earlier. I took the paper and gasped.Its my medical checkup slip.”Yah! Where did you get this?Did you search my bag”i chided at her feeling more furious than nervous now.”I don’t have to search your bag.You were the one who dumped it on the coffee table and this paper slipped out of it.So i picked it up and read it.Now that’s not the issue Leya.Please explain to me what’s all this about?” Amber demanded as she sat closer to me.She wasn’t angry anymore but she has that concerned look this time.I straightened myself as i rest my back against the headboard.”So you already know it then huh?” i murmured as i look down on the paper.”No Leya i still don’t understand.I just don’t get it that how could something so important like this be kept as a secret from me all these while?Leya we are best friends right?So why are you keeping it from me?” Amber clutched my hands and i can see the hurt in her eyes.She was right.How could i have kept it a secret all these while from my very best friend.She had been there with me through everything.From our high school years till now that we have our own Gallery.Something that we had been dreaming and planning together ever since we were still working our butt off at one of the local Arts Institution for our Fine Art Degree.I slowly lifted my head and hugged her.”I’m really sorry.I really don’t mean to keep it from you.I just don’t know how i should tell it.I’m just afraid that all these would ruin everything that we had planned all along.The Gallery and our friendship” i said this while still embracing her.Amber pushed me and gave me an annoyed look.”Leya how could you even think like that.Do you think i would leave you and unfriend you if i got to know that you have cancer?Are you having trust issues with me?” Amber asked as she took the medical slip from me and read it again as if to confirm herself.”Look it has been almost a year already and for God’s sake Leya you are at stage 3!Do you know how serious your condition is and yet you still kept it from me?” Amber got up from my bed and move to the window as she draws the curtain.I realized that it was already dark outside and i had actually been sleeping the whole day since i got back from the checkup and skipped lunch totally.I looked at Amber with her back facing me as she starred out the window taking in the cool breeze of the night.I got up following her suit and stand next to her folding my arms.It was really chilly and its a good thing we’re both wearing sweaters.”Leya i know it’s hard for you but you can’t keep everything to yourself.There are things that you need to share and tell me.Especially things as important as this.This concerns your life Leya.I don’t wanna lose you Leya.I don’t wanna lose my best friend.” Amber hugged me and we both cried.”I’m sorry” was all that i could say to her.Amber had been the only person closed to me ever since i left my country and came to Seoul Korea.She on the other hand came from a very well to do family.Her father is a very successful businessman owning a company that deals with luxury cars.While her mother is a homemaker.But being the ever so ambitious tomboy that she is,Amber has always told me how she would one day have her own place to stay and run her own company.Of course where else would her father’s traits go if it’s not brought down to his only child right?That was how the idea of opening our Gallery came about.I suggested the idea to her since we both love arts and it’s only wise that we make full use of our passion and the Fine Art Degree that we gained.Amber’s father was the one who helped us get a place in Korea to start up the Gallery and he helped fund for our capital.That is why i was really worried and afraid to tell my health conditions to Amber because she has done a lot for our Gallery.Our dream.I don’t want to burden her.But i guess keeping it from her will only make it worst.I don’t blame her for being angry at me when she got to know about my illness.At least now there is nothing for me to hide anymore except my encounter earlier with ‘Master Kang’.

  We reported early the next day to the Gallery.Steven the temporary staff help to set up the paintings that had just came in a few days back.Our Gallery is not that big though.But it’s fairly recognizable with the locals who often came to visit and even bought some of the pieces.Business at the Gallery had been good and we were getting paintings from artist as far as Norway. In fact the latest piece that Steven had just help to hung up on the wall was from a very famous artist from Australia who had just recently did his third exhibition here in Seoul Korea.Me and Amber attended the opening of his exhibition and were lucky to get to meet him in person.Amber was so ecstatic and took a photo with the artist himself.She framed it up and placed it at her work desk.For motivation i guess.The Gallery doesn’t only display the works of other artist but me and Amber also contributed some of our pieces to the Gallery.For the pass few weeks i had been working on a piece which i called “Reflect”.It’s a painting comprising of streak lines and combination of cracked mirrors which add to the effect.I love working with different elements and see how all these different materials coming together at the end just amazed me in some ways.I usually did my paintings at the “Dungeon”.It’s our secret hideout place tucked at the back of the Gallery.But for this painting i prefer doing it at the front of the Gallery as i like how the mirrors on the piece caught the reflection of the busy street outside of the Gallery.It’s just soothes me seeing the reflection of the vehicles,the people passing by and just about everything off the street.As i was trying to reach out for my paint brushes i accidentally knocked them down and they scattered on the floor.I reached down to pick them up and as i lifted my head back to  the painting a familiar reflection cast on the mirrors and caught my attention.It was Him.Master Kang.I immediately thought about my rudeness to him yesterday and knew exactly that i need to make it up to him. Remembering the stern warning i got from his driver.I hurriedly put the brushes back on the stool and remove the apron.I grabbed my tote bag and rush to the door when i was stopped by Amber “Yah! Where are you going?” she asked and Steven was giving me that look ‘You-don’t-want-to- mess-with-her-again’. “I...erm..i was just going to the cafe across the street to get my morning coffee” i stuttered and Steven cut me off “But didn’t you say you hate coffee!” he frowned and Amber raised her eyebrow giving me that suspicious look “Yah! I mean hot chococlate.Anyway Babe i promise i’ll be back soon.Really” i said this as i pushed the door and hurry myself out of the Gallery leaving Amber shouting “Don’t be late again”.

  I quickened my steps as i weave in between the passerby while straining my neck looking out for ‘Master Kang’.I saw him a few feet ahead of me and i start to quickened my pace more to catch up with him.”Master Kang! Wait up” i called out to him when i finally caught up with him.He stopped and turned around as he taps his aiding stick trying to find who was it.”Master Kang,do you remember me?It’s me.The girl you bumped into at the pharmacy yesterday” i said panting as i tried to catch my breath from all the brisk walking earlier.He frowned and pointed at me.Which surprised me because even when he can’t see he was still able to point in my direction accurately.”Why do you call me Master?You are not my helper!” he replied still frowning.”Oh..isn’t that what your driver called you yesterday?I mean i don’t know your name and that was the only name i heard him calling you”i explain scratching my head.He giggled and reach his hand for a hand shake.I take it as a cue for him to introduce himself and shook his hand in return.”My name is Kang Dae Joon.But you can call me Dae Joon” he smiled and i swear i could have fainted because just a simple smile from him is enough to sweep me off my feet.I retreat my hand from his grip and introduced myself.”I’m Leya”i replied short.I was already blushing and really don’t know what else i should say.He smiled again showing his perfectly lined teeth and a dimple formed on his right cheek.I got even more nervous and just swoon at how handsome this human in front of me is.His features resemble of an anime character and his hair is neatly combed today framing his already angelic face.I fake a cough so as to shook me off from this mesmerizing session as i speak again “Dae Joon,erm..you see i’m still guilty of how rude i was to you yesterday and i would like to make it up to you.Mind having breakfast with me?It’s my treat” i asked wishfully.Dae Joon pursed his lips and this time both his dimples formed but only the right one was slightly more indent.Boy! This guy sure steals a girl’s heart with his dimples.”Hmm i guess i could spare a little of my time for a cup of hot chocolate”.Did i heard him saying Hot Chocolate.Oh Boy! What a coincidence it is.Meeting someone who has the same liking as me.”Great! There’s a cafe right across the street not far from here.I always go there to get a fix for my morning booze.C’mon i’ll take you there” i answered as i led him the way.We were silent as we walked to the cafe.Maybe because i was busy examining him and the way he walks with the aid stick.He maybe visually impaired but his senses are sharp.He knows when there is an object blocking his way and he swiftly stepped to his sides avoiding it.He knows exactly when to make a turn and when he’s already approaching a traffic junction.What amazed me more was when he knows exactly the timing the traffic turns red and it’s time for the pedestrians to cross the street.I thought about how a normal person like me has always taken things for granted and how a visually impaired person like Dae Joon keeping close attention to every detail of the surrounding.

  We reached the cafe and i led him in and help him to a chair.We sat ourselves by the windows.Not long our breakfast came.I ordered hot chocolate and so does Dae Joon along with butter croissants and a tuna sandwich for me.I watched him take a sip of the hot chocolate and how carefully he settled the cup back onto its saucer.A foam of white mustache formed above his upper lip and i chuckled and handed a napkin to him.He wiped it cleaned and i decided that it’s time i should say something to start a conversation.I mean we couldn’t just be sitting there staying silent right? I cleared my throat as i speak “So where were you heading to just now?To work?” i took a bite off the sandwich and waited for his answer.”Oh I was on my way to the music school.I teach the kids how to play the piano.I coach the visually impaired kids” he said as he ate the butter croissant.Some of the flaky pastry crumbs got stuck at the corner of his lips.But this time he reached out for the napkin i gave earlier and he wiped them off.”Oh so you’re a music teacher.I see.I love music but too bad i can’t play any musical instrument.I’m just not good at them.I tried my hands once on my cousin’s guitar and i rip the strings off.My cousin was so mad at me he banned me from coming into his room ever again.Hahaha” i laughed when i recall how furious my cousin Eric was when i ripped his favourite guitar.Dae Joon laughed too and he has this comical tone to his laughter that suprised me but even so he still looks good though in fact even more handsome displaying his perfectly lined sets of teeth.”So what about yourself?What are you working as?” he asked still laughing a little at my joke earlier.”Well me and my best friend Amber,we owned a Gallery down across the street.About 10 mins walk from this cafe.We set up the Gallery right after we graduated from University.It has been our long time dream and we finally did it last year.We are almost approaching to a year now” i answered and suddenly feeling so proud to be telling some one about our accomplishment.Dae Joon nodded with impress.Just then Amber texted me “Leya,what’s taking you so long with the coffee?By the way your client who wants to see the painting you did last month is coming in 15 mins time”.Oh gosh!  I almost  lost track of the time being around this beautiful human sitting right before me.”Dae Joon i’m really sorry but i need to head back to the Gallery.A client will be coming over to view a painting.But i would really appreciate it if you could give me your mobile number.If you don’t mind.” i asked already keying his name in the contact list.Dae Joon said his number to me as i keyed them in and saving it.I took his phone and keyed my number for him.I bid him goodbye and thanked him for the time he spared for me.The waiter came and handed me the two coffee i ordered earlier for Steven and Amber as promised.Dae Joon and I got up and made our way to the door we left the cafe in our seperate ways.As i walked down the streets heading back to the Gallery i can’t help but feel so relief and just overjoyed about my whole breakfast meeting with Dae Joon.What’s more overwhelming was that it’s my first time seeing his smile and hearing his cute laugh.I could have just pinched his dimpled cheeks.The moment i walk through the Gallery i exclaimed cheerfully “Coffee anyone?!”.Both Amber and Steven gave me that peculiar look.”Wow someone seem so happy today huh?”Steven teased me as he took the coffee from me “Thank you”.He made his way back to his working desk happily sipping his coffee.Amber approached me and nudged me on my shoulder as i sat down resuming some finishing touches on the painting again.”So why the happy vibe?Why did you get the handsome barista number?” Amber started to playfully pinched me on my arms and hips.I poked her hard on her hips making her jolt to the side whining.”Well let’s just say He is even better than the barista” i answered childishly sticking out my tongue.”Woah!!hmmm... interesting.Tell me who is it?..tell me?..tell me?” again Amber attacked me with her pinches.”Amby!!! Please spare me ok.I need to get this done before the client comes in” i gave a light punched on Amber’s arm.She pretended to look hurt and rubbed her arm profusely.”I’ll tell you later ok” i showed Amber the ok sign and she scoffed and walk back to her working desk.As she settled herself in her bossy like chair she furrowed her brows and gesturing the “I’m-watching-you” gesture to me.Steven and me laughed and just at that moment my client came in through the door.I hurriedly removed my apron and invited her in.Coolly displaying my professionalism and taking her around the gallery.

Chapter 3: The Big News

  We had a meeting the next day with the chief editor from the Winner magazine.It’s the magazine that showcases the arts and exhibition as well as any arts festival or events coming up.As me and Amber arrived at the meeting room the other candidates from other galleries as well as some artist were already seated having conversation among themselves.”Are we late?” i whispered to Amber as we take our seat.”I don’t think so.There is still 5 more minutes till the meeting start” Amber replied as she showed the time on her watch.Just then the chief editor came in and immediately the room became silent.She introduced herself as Ms.Hannah Morison and handed each and every one of us a booklet containing the agendas on the meeting that she will be conducting soon.She spoke about the most important event that will be taking place in February next year at the famous Paris Art Museum and that is the World Arts Festival.The festival showcases works of artist from all over the world,right from the very famous masterpieces to those amateur art works.But the most interesting part of the festival is actually the Art competition where art works of any artist taking part in it will be judged and the winner will be rewarded a 50,000 euro cash prize.The competition however has a theme to it and the artist taking part in it are required to do paintings or artwork that has something to do with life decision.The art work will need to tell a story.Amber and i were intrigued by that competition but felt intimidated at the same time knowing how far more talented the other candidates are.I mean who are we to kid when we already know that there will be masterpieces that are worth even more than the winning prize.But still we kept our hopes high and determined to do our best for this competition since this will be our first time taking part in the whole festival.Things like this will definitely help to boost our Gallery image and making it be known to the rest of the world.Since we are still new in the art industry,me and Amber are working hard to make our Gallery and works be known to more famous artist as well as to people from all walks of life.Though business had been good and we had been getting pieces from some renowned artist but we are still working hard to better our future and don’t want to be contented with what we already have.We wanna make sure that we could strive better and it is all for the benefit of our business in the long run.

  The meeting ended at 12 noon and since it was already lunch time i suggested to Amber to have our quick lunch first before heading to the Gallery.We were discussing about the festival and suddenly Amber reminded me about Steven.”Oh my God!Steven!!” Amber exclaimed sounding worried.”What about him?!” i asked curious.”Leya,his contract with us ends today remember?We only take him in for the 2 weeks since Irene is on leave to attend to her family issues” Amber answered checking her organizer where she had marked the last day of Steven’s contract expiration date on the calendar.Yes it’s a modern world technology but dear Amber is still an old school kid when it comes to taking notes and jotting down important dates.The organizer had been her most fateful companion since the start of our Gallery.Every important events are all marked in there including my birthday.Sometimes this boisterous gal can be a ball of fluffy cuteness when it comes to remembering things as sentimental as my birthday.Irene is our permanent staff who had been working with us since the first time we put up and ad looking for a full-time staff to help us around the Gallery.But it was only last month that she had been having problems with her marriage life and she needed a break from work to attend to her family issues so we decided to give her a 2 week leave to settle them and took Steven in as a temporary staff to fill in for Irene’s position.But 3 days ago,Irene actually had personally called Amber and told her that she will not be able to report back to work as her family issues was yet to be resolved and had no other choice but to resigned from our Gallery.We were busy with our work and neither of us realized that Steven’s contract will be expiring soon.With us taking part in the festival and the competition,it would only mean more work load and staff constraint without Steven around to help us.We quickly finished our lunch and head back to Gallery.It’s a good thing that we had no clients for today and had earlier put up a notice sign outside of the Gallery reminding the public that we are close and will resume back at 3pm.We reached our Gallery at 1:30pm giving us ample time to start up the Gallery before opening it to public again.Our operating time is usually from 10am till 7pm.

  “Amber is it possible if we call Steven back to our Gallery and offer him to work with us again?I mean its almost end of October and the competition and the festival is only in 4 months time.Plus we still have our one year anniversary party for this Gallery that we have yet to plan on.We are going to be very busy.We need that extra manpower to help us around here you know?” i suggested to Amber.Amber rubbed her chin thinking hard about what i just said.”You think he would want to work with us again?” Amber asked not sounding confident.”What do you mean?Have you been treating him poorly and now you worried he won’t work with us again?” i giggled as i teased Amber.She pout at me and pinched me on my arm.”Ouch!” i pushed her hand away and rubbed my now soar arm that has always been a victim to Amber’s pinches.”Fine i’ll call him” Amber dialed Steven’s number and quickly gave me her phone for me to talk.It’s not that Amber and Steven are having issues with each other.It’s just that they both rarely talks and i had been observing them and realized that Steven is more open and straight forward when interacting with me while a little more reserved being around Amber.I guess it’s Amber tomboy-ish nature that made him a little insecure when being around her but otherwise they do have a good work sense and talks to each other normally when it comes to work.I remember once we treated Steven for dinner and when i left to go to the restroom and left the two of them i took a peek at them and realized how awkward they were when they were alone together.Neither of them actually spoke.So usually i will do the break the ice thing.”Hello!” Steven murmured and i knew immediately that he just woken up from his sleep.”Hey Steven.It’s me Leya,am i disturbing you?” i asked.”Oh Leya.No..no..i’m not.Infact i just woke up.I slept late last night.Is there a problem at the Gallery?You know my contract has ended today right?” he answered his voice still sounding coarse.”Yeah i know that but is it alright if you could come down and meet us here.There is something we need to discuss with you.” i said looking at Amber who was checking something over at Steven’s work desk.”Oh sure i’ll be there in 30 minutes time.Is that ok?” Steven replied.”Oh no worries.We’ll wait for you.Thanks Steven” i hung up and walked over to Amber who was still very engrossed with some papers i see her holding.

   ”Leya look at this” Amber passed me some of the papers and i look at them.They were some drawings done by Steven.Some of them were drawings of anime character and some were sketches of some weird characters.There was even a caricature of Johnny Depp,Steven’s favourite celebrity.”Woah..i didn’t know this guy is so talented” i said impressed with the drawings.”Yeah this guy sure have some artistic talent” Amber agreed as she examine each drawings.Just then Steven came into the Gallery.”Woah you’re early than expected” i said surprised that it only took him 15 minutes to get here.”Oh you ladies already seen my drawings?” he look nervous and moved closer to us who were still standing at his desk holding on to his drawings.”Yeah they’re pretty good.I’m impressed” Amber said folding her arms as she smiled.That was the first time i saw Amber actually smile at Steven and i could see it was a genuine smile because knowing how awkward these two are with each other.I looked at Steven who was already blushing.His ears were red and he smiled sheepishly.I break the silence and gestured to Steven to take a seat at the far corner of the Gallery.It’s a spot where we usually take our breaks and had our small meetings.The three of us settled down and i nudged Amber to start the discussion.”Right, so Steven i understand that your contract with us ended today and that means you are no longer working for us” Amber paused and looked at Steven who is still blushing but now seemed more nervous.”You see this morning we had a meeting with the Chief Editor from the Winner magazine and we had been invited to take part in the upcoming World Art Festival which is happening in February next year.So we have about 4 months left and we have also decided to take part in the art competition which is the highlight of the festival.Soon we will be reaching our 1 year anniversary for the Gallery and there is lot to plan on.So we are thinking if we could hire you again and we are offering you this time a full-time position in our Gallery.Apparently, our permanent staff Irene has already resigned from our Gallery.So would you accept this offer?” Amber finished and folded her arms waiting for Steven’s reply.I was actually caught off guard when Amber actually offered Steven to be our full-time staff but didn’t second guessed her on that as i am confident with Steven taking up that offer after seeing his talent.Steven finally looked up to both me and Amber “Thank you so much ladies.I..i...don’t know what to say.I mean..i...really appreciate the offer.Yes i’m definitely accepting it.In fact i can even start working now.No worries.” he answered eagerly and shook my hands and Amber’s.”Well i’m ok with that.What do you think Amby?Can he?” I asked Amber who was scribbling something in her organizer.”Hmm....well if you insist.Do the usual then” Amber murmured as she was still fiddling with her organizer.I stood up and Steven stood up too.”So welcome back Steven.Great to have you here with us again” i patted Steven’s shoulder and he gave me a warm smile of appreciation.As we were making our way to our respective desk Amber approached us and suggested to Steven that he should take part in the competition too.Out of excitement Steven gave Amber a hug as he continuously thanked her.I noticed Amber was caught off guard by Steven sudden hug and slowly pushed him away.”I’m so sorry Amber” Steven apologized looking so flustered.His face was so red like a tomato.”Right,make sure that will be the last time you ever come close to me” Amber scowled at Steven making him even more embarrassed as he hurried to his desk and start switching on his computer hiding his guilty face behind it.I chuckled at how awkward the two of them were.Amber shoot me a darting look and i teased her while continuously showing her the finger heart sign.Amber crushed a paper and threw it hard at me as the paper ball hit my stomach and i managed to clasped it while laughing hard.Suddenly i felt a sharp pain in my chest and realized that i had not taken my medication for the afternoon intake.In fact i was supposed to have taken it after lunch and it has already passed the time that i was supposed to consume it.The pain was getting intense and my hands has started to shiver.I glanced at the other two who were now busy with their own work and took the chance to excuse myself to the restroom to take my medication.After swallowing the tablet i leaned myself against the wall.Trying to calm myself down and letting the medicine doing its effect and easing the pain in my chest.Once i felt better, i slowly made my way to my desk and settled myself down.Amber peeped from behind her computer and gave me that concerned look.I gave her the ok sign and continued with my work.I know my illness is catching up on me but i need to focus on the competition.That’s the most important thing.At least for now.My phone beeped and a voice message came in and what’s more exciting was that it’s from Dae Joon. Suddenly i feel more energized and the pain i had earlier doesn’t seemed to bother me anymore.I popped my earpiece on and open the message ”Hi Leya,i hope you’re not busy.Care to join me for breakfast again tomorrow?”.His voice sounds even more soothing through the earpiece.Looking over at the other two and checking that they’re both busy i replied him almost wanting to text but realized that he wouldn’t be able to read it.”Silly me” i thought to myself and giggled at my own stupidity.”Sure! I would love to.See you tomorrow at the cafe at 10:30am.Bye” i was saying this so softly almost whispering as i don’t want the others to hear me.I know i still owe Amber an explanation after i took so long yesterday to get her coffee and also i promised her to tell who i met at the cafe.Putting down the phone i smiled to myself.Just the sound of his voice really made my day and boozed my mood.I was already looking forward to having breakfast with Dae Joon tomorrow.

Chapter 4: Getting to know

  “Amber?Can i come in?” i knocked on Amber’s room door but did not get any reply.I proceed to open it and saw Amber still sleeping soundly.I slowly crept up into the bed and lay next to her and she let out a moan pulling the covers from under me.”Why are you up so early?” she murmured as she turned to her sides with her back facing me.I sat up and took the pillow that was covering her head.”Yah!Give it back?” Amber demanded as she tried to pull the pillow from me but i didn’t allow her to and hugged it instead while laughing.Amber tried to wrestle me to get the pillow back and i know there is no way i would win her.So i gave in to her and hit her with the pillow.”Hey!Stop it!” Amber snapped.”You still haven’t answered me and why are you all dressed up already.It’s the weekend” she asked as she rubbed her eyes.I got up from the bed and made my way to the door “I’m going out to have breakfast with someone” i said as i leave her room.Amber quickly jumped out from her bed and followed me to the kitchen as i open the fridge to get the milk out.I poured myself a glass of milk as i lean against the counter top.”Do you want a glass of milk too?” i asked her as i held up the glass in her direction.Amber sat herself at the breakfast table letting out a loud yawn and shook her head declining my offer.”Who are you having breakfast with?” she asked as she ruffled her messy hair.”Remember i told you the other day about the person i met at the cafe when i went to get you and Steven coffee?” i said as i finished my milk and went to the sink to wash the glass.Amber immediately got up and stood right next to me.”Oh yes how can i forget.You still haven’t told me who you met that day” she sounds eager as she had been waiting for me to tell her who the ‘guy’ is.I looked at my watch and its already 09:30am.I should be leaving but i know Amber will not allow me to leave just like that without even answering her question.”I’m leaving already,but if you wanna know who ‘He’ is perhaps its best you meet him in person” i suggested while putting on my socks.”Oh ok..ok..Don’t leave yet.Give me 15 minutes.I’ll come with you” Amber excitedly exclaimed as she grabs her towel and hurried off into the bathroom.”5 minutes has passed” i shouted for Amber who was still in the shower.Just then she swung the toilet door open and pushed me aside as she scurried off into her room to get changed.At exactly 09:45am she was out of her room and ready.”I told you i’ll be quick”she said while putting on her shoes.We left the house and got into the car.It’s a good thing Amber decides to follow me to meet Dae Joon because usually i will be taking public as i don’t drive.

  We reached the cafe 15 minutes earlier than the time i had promised Dae Joon but was surprised to see him already seated at the same spot where we had our first meeting.As we made our way towards Dae Joon,Amber nudged me on my arm.“Isn’t this your second time meeting him?Why is he looking so stiffed?” Amber gave me that peculiar look.I put my finger to my lips showing her the ‘be-quite’ sign.”Hi Dae Joon!Did you waited long for me?” I asked as soon as we reached him.”Oh hi Leya!Oh not really” Dae Joon answered as he slowly turned to face me.Amber was still looking confused and rather skeptical at the way Dae Joon answered me but not looking direct to me.”Dae Joon this is my best friend Amber.The one i told you about” I introduced Dae Joon to Amber as i notion her to introduce herself in return.”Erm...Hi Dae Joon!Ya i’m Amber.Nice to meet you.” Amber held out her hand but was curious that instead of returning it with a hand shake Dae Joon nodded and introduce himself.Amber looked at me bewildered as i pointed to Dae Joon’s side showing her the walking stick.Amber however doesn't seemed to get what i was trying to tell her and i give up and pulled her a little further away from Dae Joon to try explain things to her.”Yah!What’s wrong with this guy.Why isn’t he responding normally?” Amber seemed to be a little annoyed at the way Dae Joon was acting.”Hey not so loud!” i tried to calm Amber down.”Look he doesn’t do it on purpose.He is...”i cleared my throat and whispered to Amber.”He is blind” and just as i pulled away from Amber ,she gasped ”What he is bli...” before she could blurted it out i covered her mouth and hushed her down.I glanced over to Dae Joon who was sipping his drink and was relieved that he didn’t hear anything because Amber voice was quite loud.Amber nodded obediently and removed my hand from her mouth.”That was why i pointed to his walking stick just now.I was trying to tell you but you don’t seem to get it” i told Amber as she apologized continuously. We walked back to where Dae Joon is sitting.”Is everything ok?” he asked looking curious at our sudden silence.”Yeah everything is fine” i answered as i took the seat opposite him.Amber was still standing and observing Dae Joon.”Are you joining us Amby?” i asked her as i tucked on her jacket making her jolt a little.”Erm..i guess i’ll just leave the two of you to enjoy your breakfast date.I’m heading to the Gallery to clear some pending emails” Amber said this as she gave me that playful grin.”I’ll see you later then.Text me if there’s anything alright” i told her as we exchange the ‘you-know-i-know’ look.Amber left the cafe and i called to the waiter to order my usual hot chocolate only this time i didn’t order any sandwich to go along.Perhaps the milk i had earlier is making me slightly filled.”So you are working today?” Dae Joon asked me.”Oh nope.Our Gallery is closed on weekends.But we do report back for some emails and other errands” i answered.”Anyway,sorry about my friend.She can be a little playful at times.But she is a really nice person actually.”i told Dae Joon noticing how uncomfortable he was just now when Amber said “breakfast date”.”Nah,it’s ok.I’m alright” he answered and smile displaying his deep set dimples.Everytime his dimples shows i always have butterflies in my tummy.They always make me blush a little.”Are you teaching your music lesson today” i asked and took a sip of the hot chocolate that the waiter had just sent.”Oh no,the school is also closed on weekends.But some kids will report to the school on Saturday to do a self-practice.But they are only allowed to stay till 1pm” he answered and just then his mobile ring.”It’s ok Jeong Ho.I’ll give you a call if i need to.Thank you” he put the phone back into the pocket on his jacket.I realized it was the same hooded denim jacket i saw him wearing the other day at the pharmacy.”Who was that” i asked.”Oh it was my driver.He was asking me if i need him to come and fetch me.Usually he will send me to my destination but he will not wait for me.I will be the one calling him if i need him to pick me up.But sometimes i prefer to walk or take the public instead because i like to observe the surroundings and  it helps me a lot with my senses and i get to meet people along the way.”he explains as he finished his drink.After hearing that it gave me an idea.Since he loves observing things,i thought maybe i should take him to my gallery today and let him have a feel of some of the art pieces and sculptures that we have in our Gallery.”Dae Joon if you don’t mind would you like to come with me to my Gallery?There are a lot of interesting art pieces there that you can touch and feel and observe.It will be really good for you and something new.” i asked him as i gave him that hopeful look.”Hmm...sure i would love too” he answered and smiled warmly.”Great!Let’s go then” i answered and hurried myself to the cashier as i made payment for both of us.”It’s my treat” i told Dae Joon when i saw him taking out his card.He smiled and thanked me.

  We had small talks in between as we walk to the Gallery.In less than 10 minutes we arrived at the Gallery.Amber was no where but i had guess that she might be at the dungeon already starting on the art piece that she will be putting up for the competition.”Please come in” i ushered Dae Joon in.I took him for a little tour around the Gallery,showing and explaining every piece of art work that was there.”This piece was done by me.I just finished it last week.It was already bought by one of my client for her new office.But she told me to deliver it to her next week because by then her office will be ready.”i explain to Dae Joon about the piece that comprises of streak lines and cracked mirrors.The one that get me to meet him again when i caught him walking pass the Gallery through the mirrors.”Hmm..Interesting” he said as he moved his fingers along the lines and before he moved his fingers to the cracked mirrors i caught his hands.”Oh i’m so sorry! I don’t mean to” i let go off my hand and blushed and realized how hasty my actions was.Dae Joon seemed surprised too at my sudden gesture.”I was afraid you might get cut.This art piece contains pieces of cracked mirror” i explained to him feeling so embarrassed at what i just did.He smiled and i can see him blushing.His ears turning red.”It’s ok. It's only right that you stop me before i hurt myself and ruin your art work”he said calmly.I nodded and took him over to some sculpted figures.Just then Amber came in.”Oh you guys are here?” she asked looking surprised to find Dae Joon at the Gallery.”Oh yeah,since Dae Joon is not teaching today so i brought him here to observe some of the pieces we have here” i answered making sure i said observe instead of see.Dae Joon turned slowly to face Amber.”Right...yeah sure” Amber replied and gestured me to come to her desk.I excuse myself from Dae Joon and went over to Amber who was reading something very tentatively on her computer.”What’s up? i asked.”It’s an email from Ms.Hannah Morison the chief editor from Winner magazine.She informed us that there had been some changes to the competition.The organizer now only allows 1 art work from each gallery that is taking part to be submitted for the competition.So that means only one of us will be taking part and represents the Gallery.” Amber explain as she scrolled on further and continue reading the rest of the email.”The art work must be submitted to the organizer by 15th January and only the best 10 art works with an interesting back story will be selected for the finals at the Festival later.” Amber looked at me and gave a nudged on my arm when she realized that i wasn’t paying attention as my eyes were wandering and looking at Dae Joon who was observing every art pieces in the Gallery so intricately.”Yah!Are you listening?” Amber asked rather annoyed.”Oh..erm...right.So who will it be then?” i asked looking guilty and noticing that Amber was looking at me and back at Dae Joon again.”Hey do you two have something going on?” she asked raising her eyebrow.”Nah...uh...of course not.I just only met him like twice.How can we even have something..something.You’re exaggerating” i said giving Amber a slight punch on her arm.As usual Amber always act as if she had just been punched by a wrestler.”Yah! Stop it that hurts” Amber shout and rubbed her arm.”Is everything ok?” Dae Joon asked after hearing Amber shouting.”Oh no..no..nothing’s wrong.Don’t mind Amber she always exaggerate things” i said as i asked Amber to hush herself down and scowled at her who is now giggling.”Yah! Please be serious ok.Right so who wants to do it then?Who’s going to take part and represent our Gallery” i asked trying to stop Amber from giggling.”Oh..ok...so i already called Steven earlier and talked to him about this and he has decided that he will not be taking part in the competition and leave it to the two us to decide on who it should be.And....i think the most rightful candidate for this competition is..You.” Amber said and gave me a thumbs up.”Me?But why me?I mean Steven is talented and so are you.” I said.”Well Steven feels that he hasn’t got much experience yet to join in the competition and as for me well...my work are mostly visual arts and i don’t really paint Leya.I don’t draw stuffs or create stuffs.I’m only good with the lens and photography.But you have good art skills.Most of your art work were bought and sold at very high prices.So that’s why your’re the right candidate to represent our Gallery for the competition.I believe in you Leya.” Amber encouraged me as she pat my shoulder.”It is a very huge competition and an important one too.But if you’ve said so then i guess i’m in.But first i think i’ll need to take a walk and get some ideas for my art piece later.” i said this as i looked as Dae Joon and felt guilty that i had made him wait for quite a while.”Amber,don’t wait up for me ok.If you need to go home just lock the Gallery.I’ll see you at home coz for now i need to continue my ‘Date’,like you said earlier” i laughed as i said and Amber scowled at me.”Fine! Enjoy yourself.Find ideas ok?” she reminded as i walk over to Dae Joon.”Sorry to keep you waiting.Me and Amber were having something important to discuss just now ” i said to Dae Joon.”Oh no worries”Dae joon smiled.”So shall we go?” i asked him.”Where to?” Dae Joon asked looking surprised.”Hmm...let’s take a walk somewhere maybe we can go to Han River and breathe in some fresh air” i suggested.”Hmm that would be nice.It’s been long since i last went there” Dae Joon answered as i led him out of the Gallery.

  The breeze from the river felt so fresh.There were others too taking a stroll and some were cycling.I just love coming to the Han River.The peaceful surrounding just soothes my thoughts and sometimes it helps with getting ideas for my art work.We took a sit at the bench facing ourselves to river.The cool breeze blew pass us and it swept my hair with it.I was pulling my hair back and trying to tucked it in behind my ear when i felt someone touching it.I turned and froze when i realized that Dae Joon was holding to some strands of my hair that got blown across his face.”Your hair feels soft Leya” he said as i pulled the strands slowly from his grip.I blushed at his compliment.It seems that Dae Joon is using his sense of touch a lot to observe everything or anything surrounding him.”Erm...Dae Joon may i ask u something” i asked trying to shake the awkwardness.”What do you wanna know Leya?” he asked casually as he fold his walking aid and placed it at his side.”This may sound a little provoking.But i’m just curious.Erm....” i was struggling to find words and how i should convey it to him.”It’s ok Leya.You can ask me anything” Dae Joon assured me.Feeling a little confident i continued.”How did you or when did you become..erm....” again i couldn’t bring myself to utter the word.”You mean blind?When did i become blind?” Dae Joon calmly asked.”Yeah,i’m sorry i ask.But it’s ok if you don’t wanna talk about it.I mean i shouldn’t be asking in the first place” i tried to reason myself.Dae Joon pressed his lips and every time he did that i wish he would just let his lips stay that way forever because his dimples seemed the most prominent whenever he does that.”Well actually i wasn’t born blind.I was a healthy and active boy.I went to a normal school,had a lot of friends,played sport just like any other kid.It was when i was about 10 years old that i start experiencing blurred vision.I kept falling sick too quite often.At first my parents thought that it was just a normal nearsightedness issue and brought me to the optician to get my eyes checked.But when my vision start to worsen that was when my parents decide to me bring for a thorough medical checkup and the doctor confirmed that i had lost my vision totally and it was due to some infections in my blood that had spread to my eyes.”Dae Joon stop and i saw tears starts rolling down his cheek.I quickly took out a tissue and handed it to him.”Dae Joon i’m sorry for asking you.I shouldn't have questioned you about your eyes.Please forgive me.” i said feeling really guilty.”It’s ok Leya,i’ve lived with it all my life and have accepted my fate.Perhaps God has better plans for me.Perhaps he is preparing me for something far more worthy to look at.You know people always say there’s a blessing in disguise.”he sniffed as he cleared his eyes.I stayed silent and didn’t know what to say.I just admired him for the strength that he has and for being able to accept everything without even feeling regret or disappointed.”You know Leya,aside from Jeong Ho,you are the only person who i have open up and told my stories to.Even my friends at the music school or the kids i’m teaching didn’t even know about it.” he said as he rubbed his eyes.”Oh...so Jeong Ho is not only your driver but he must be someone really close to you i guess?” i asked looking at his puffy eyes and red nose from the crying earlier.He looks even more cute.I just had this urge of giving him a comforting hug to soothe him but quickly come to my senses when he start talking again.”Well,Jeong Ho is more than just a driver.I have regarded him as my uncle though he is not related to me.Eversince my parents left me,Jeong Ho had been taking care of me” he paused and being the curious me i din’t hesitate to ask about his parents.”What do you mean your parents left you.Where did they go?” i questioned.”My parents died in a car accident when i was 12.I still remember it was on my birthday and they had went out to get my birthday cake when a tipper truck collided with my parents’ car.Since then Jeong Ho takes care of me and home schooled me himself because Jeong Ho knows braille.” an again i saw tears welled up in his eyes.Damn! i thought to myself.Why do i have to be so busy body and start questioning him things so sentimental as these?.Without me realizing i was already sobbing.”Leya you ok?” Dae Joon asked as he took out a handkerchief from his jacket and handed it to me.I took the handkerchief and wiped my tears.”I’m so sorry for your lost Dae Joon.Please forgive me for asking you all these things.I shouldn’t have you made recall back.It’s so ignorant of me” i explained myself in between sobs.”It’s alright Leya don’t feel bad about it.Everyone will experience the lost of their loved ones.We just need to accept it with an open heart.” Dae Joon smiled.”Well you are right.No one is an exception when it comes to life or death.”i paused and still trying to control my sobs.”When you talked about Jeong Ho,he reminded me of my grandmother.She too played a big role in taking care of me after both my parents got divorced and left me under the full care of my grandmother.I was only three then.My grandmother took care of everything.My school,food and even when i was already working part time at a cafe while i was taking my degree she still insist on giving me pocket money.Even though she wasn’t making much from her day job as a canteen helper at one of the neighboring school she still makes sure that i had enough for school.But sadly she passed away a week after i graduated with my degree.God how i missed her! ” i stopped and heaved heavily trying to stop myself from crying my eyes out.”I wish she was still around to witness my success now with the Gallery” at this i was already crying hard as i buried my face in my hands still clutching to Dae Joon’s handkerchief.I was too upset to even realized that Dae Joon had already moved closer as he pull me into his arm giving me a comforting hug.I rest my head on his shoulder as he rested his chin on my head while patting me gently to console me.”It’s ok Leya you can cry all you want.It’s ok to let that feeling out of you.Hush..hush” his angelic voice soothe me.Realizing that i was being too close to him i quickly pulled myself away from him and wiped my cheeks that was all drenched in tears.”Oh..i...erm...i’m sorry.I was too emotional.Here your handkerchief” i handed him his handkerchief but Dae Joon refused to take it back and asked me to keep it.I thanked him and folded the handkerchief as i slid it into the inner pocket of my jacket.

 Dae Joon called Jeong Ho to fetch him and insisted to give me a lift in his car.Throughout the journey back home we were silent and once in a while Jeong Ho gave me a peculiar look from his rear view mirror.I can tell he was still dissatisfied with me about my rudeness the other day at the pharmacy.We reached the lobby of me and Amber’s apartment.I bid Dae Joon goodbye and headed straight for the lift.As i entered the house i slumped myself into the sofa and tilt my head as i closed my eyes.”Hey you’re back.Have you eaten?” Amber asked as she sat down next to me with her instant cup noodles as she switched on the tv to watch her favorite drama.I glanced at my watch and realised that it was already 5pm and i still haven’t eaten anything except for the light finger food that i bought while taking a walk with Dae Joon earlier.”Do you still have some more of the cup noodles” i asked Amber as i made my way to the kitchen.”Yeah...it’s at... the..” i can hear Amber trying to talk while having her mouth full.”It’s ok i found it” i answered as i carefully peeled the lid off from the cup.”Yah! where’s the scissors?” i called out to Amber but she wasn’t answering me. Probably too engrossed with the drama.Failed to find the scissors.I ripped open the small plastic containing the ramen spices and was immediately greeted with a cloud of powdery particles making me coughed profusely as i had ripped the plastic too hard.My coughing didn’t stop and it even made my chest felt tight and i was clutching to my chest as my breathing seemed impossible.I was gasping for air and still coughing.I covered my mouth and felt that i had spurted out something as it felt warm on my palm.As i remove my hand from my mouth i was shocked to see it stained with blood.I felt my head spinning but i tried to grab the edge of the counter top and knocking down the ramen cup spilling all of its contents onto the kitchen floor.Hearing the commotion,Amber rushed to the kitchen only to find me already sitting on the floor with my back against the fridge door.Trying hard to catch my breath.”Oh my what happened here?” Amber panicked at the sight of the mess.”Leya,look at your hands.Its blood” Amber looks worried and quickly went to get a kitchen towel to clean off my hand.”Amber,can you help me get my tote bag?I need my medication” i said to her softly almost whispering as i pointed to the living room.Amber scurried off and came back with my tote bag already taking out the plastic bag containing my medication.”So which one is it Leya?” as she rummaged through the plastic with panic.”It’s the yellow tablet and the white pill” i told her as i rubbed my chest hard trying to massage the pain away.Amber quickly poured a glass of water and handed me the pills.I swallowed them and drank the whole glass of water.Amber put the glass away as she sat down next to me.I closed my eyes,breathing in slowly to ease myself.”Leya,are u alright?” Amber asked looking so worried.”I’m fine.I just need to rest” i opened my eyes slowly and gave her a crooked smile.”Don’t you wanna go to the doctor?You looked so pale and weak” Amber asked as she help to brush the sweat off my forehead.I shook my head and tried to pull myself up but Amber caught hold of me and pull one of my hand over her shoulders.She helped me to slowly walk to my room and carefully sat me on the bed.”Just lay down and rest ok” Amber told me as i lay down while she help pull the bed sheet over to cover me up.Tucking in the covers as she made a little space and sat next to me looking at me with a concerned gaze.”What?” i asked still trying to breathe hard and letting the medicine do its work.”Leya,if you don’t feel well i think we should not take part in the competition. I don’t want you to work too hard.I don’t want you to exert yourself too much.It’s not good for you” she said but i snapped at her “Amber,i’ll be even more sick if i didn’t get to participate.I’ll be ok.Trust me.I want to represent our Gallery and make this 1 year anniversary a memorable one.” i said this as i pat her hand.”But Leya...” i cut her even before she could continue.”Amber please.Just let me do this.Just once ok?” i clutched her hand tight.She nodded as she patted my hand.Amber got up and tidied the covers.”Rest well ok.I’ll be outside in the living room if you need anything” she smiled as she closed the door slowly.Once i felt my breathing stabilized and the pain in my chest has subsided.I slowly got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.As i removed the jacket,something slip out from the pocket.It was Dae Joon’s checkered handkerchief.I pick it up and took a whiff of it.It smelled of his perfume.I smiled to myself and imagine the warmth of his embraced.I must admit just thinking about what happened earlier at the Han River made me feel better.I turned on the hot shower and took a bath.Feeling freshen up as the warm water runs down my skin.

Chapter 5: Good Kisser

  It has been a week of busy schedules for the three of us at the Gallery.Amber and Steven were busy preparing for the Gallery’s 1 year anniversary that’s coming up in 2 weeks time while i’m busy with the arrangements for the delivery of the painting bought by a client who had decided at the last minute for the painting to be sent to her home in Indonesia instead of having it delivered to her new office as she had told earlier.So i had to make the necessary arrangements for the air cargo and shipment to transport the painting.My relationship with Dae Joon on the other hand had been good in fact even closer.I still find time in between my schedules to meet up with him either for a short eat out or drop by the music school and watch him coach the kids.Its the weekend again and all three of us decided to go out for lunch and for once trying to ease our mind away from all the hectic appointments or workload from the Gallery.We went to our favourite restaurant located not far away from the Han River.Its a pretty popular restaurant among the youths and families too.We ordered the usual and shared jokes and stories in between.I can see the relationship between Amber and Steven are getting less awkward and they are now able to communicate with each other like normal friends would.No more the worker and co-worker kinda of interaction. Its good to see things are getting along well.It was in the middle of having our meal when i suddenly felt the sharp pang again in my chest and a very dull ache on my back.I know that my illness is acting up again.But i need to get it all together.I cannot be showing them the signs and the pain i’m having.Not at the time when we are having good times together like this.Its not always that we get to spent time though we are working together but times like this are hard to come by.I was rubbing my back to ease the ache and refrain myself from rubbing my chest that needs the most attention now as i feel the tense slowly building up because i don’t want Amber to suspect anything.Steven and her were having some good laugh as Steven was telling some funny story.I tried to fake a laugh but cough instead and that made the two of them stop abruptly.”You ok Leya?” Steven asked looking concerned.Amber was already rubbing my back to stop me from coughing.”I’m...i’m ok.Don’t worry.Perhaps the spicy broth from the noodles make me choke a little”i lied as i reached out for the tissue Steven handed to me.”Guys,please excuse me.I need the restroom.” i said as i quickly got up and left the two of them looking rather confused.I went straight to the sink and without warning i vomited but what’s more scary was that it wasn’t the food that was thrown up.It was blood.Yes! I’m vomiting blood.I was shocked myself and cried as the whole sink look a hot mess with the blood staining it like the scenes you would see in those horror movies.I quickly run the tap on and tried my best to wash away the blood leaving no stains at all.Just then Amber came into the toilet and saw me still cleaning the sink.But luckily by the time she entered the sink was already clean and had no more blood stains on it.”Leya,are you sure you’re fine?”Amber asked as she rubbed my back when she saw me bending over the sink rinsing my mouth.The fact that my hair was covering my face it was a good thing that she didn’t see the blood as i rinsed my mouth.I just nodded to her and lifted my head to check myself in the mirror.”Leya,you look so pale.Have you taken your medicine?”Amber asked as she pulled and tear off some tissue rolls and handed them to me as i wipe my face.”Yeah i already took them before we left for lunch just now” I said throwing the used tissue into the bin.”Let’s go now.Steven is waiting for us” i said as i pulled Amber hand and walk out of the toilet.”You sure you ok?” Amber tugged on her hand that i am still holding.I nodded and smiled at her.”You girls ok?Do you still want anything else?” Steven asked just as soon as me and Amber got back to our seats.”Nope.Guess that’s about it.What about you Leya.Do you need anything else?” Amber asked.I shook my head as i took a few last sip from my drinks.We headed to the cashier and Amber paid for the meals as she had been telling us that it would be her treat.Steven made a move first as he had to meet his parents.While me and Amber decided to take a stroll at the nearby park.

  “So how has it been between you and Dae Joon?” Amber asked as we sat ourselves on the bench.”Great.Things has been good.” i answered while tying my hair up in a ponytail.”So does he know?”Amber asked me.I looked at her confused.”Know?About what?” i asked.”Well haven’t you tell him yet about your condition?” Amber asked as she removed her jacket and rest it on her lap.I just shook my head and pout my lips.”Leya,don’t you think that he should at least know about it before....” Amber stopped as she stood up folding her arms looking out onto the pond in front of us.I knew what Amber was trying to say.She was afraid that Dae Joon will only get to know about my condition when it was already too late.I tilt my head back and closed my eyes.”He doesn’t need to know and i don’t want him to know.He went through a lot and had been hurt too much.I don’t wanna burden him with my condition.It’s best that he doesn’t know it at all.” i said as Amber turned and sat back next to me.”What do you mean he’s been through a lot?What happened to him?” Amber asked looking curious.I heaved heavily and started telling Amber everything about Dae Joon. About how he lost his sight and how he lost his parents in a tragic accident.Amber was dumbfounded after hearing the story.She just stayed silent for a moment before finally speaking.”Do you think i was rather rude the first time i met him?I felt guilty now for being skeptical at his actions when i introduced myself to him.” I laughed a little at how guilty Amber looked now.”Nah..he’s ok.Infact i was the same as you the first time i met him.” i told Amber who suddenly looked surprised at what i just said.”Huh?! What did you do?” Amber asked as she fold one of her legs.I told her about the incident at the pharmacy and how rude i was towards Dae Joon and getting scolded by his driver.Amber laughed so hard at the fact that i got reprimanded by Dae Joon’s driver.”Woah that guy sure have some guts as a driver huh.!.” Amber giggled.”He sure is.He sure is” i laughed too recalling back at how clumsy and rude i was.

  We went home straight after taking the stroll.Amber told me that she will just be ordering some food later for dinner and catch up on her favourite drama.I agreed with her and just as i was about to enter the bathroom my phone rang.It was Dae Joon.I immediately abort my intention of going to have a hot bath and answered his call instead.”Hello Dae Joon” i said as i sat myself down on the bed.”Hey am i disturbing you?” he asked and i admit hearing his voice over the line just instantly lift my spirit up and makes me forget about all the pain.”No not at all.So what’s up?I asked him.”Oh i was just wondering if you already had your dinner.I was thinking of asking you out for dinner.I already made a reservation at 7pm.Sorry for informing you a little last minute.I’ll come pick you up.” he said as i looked at the time on my watch and it was already 06:15pm. “Oh its ok.No worries.So what time will you be fetching me?”I asked as i got out of bed and check myself in the mirror.”Oh i’ll be there by 06:45pm.Is that alright with you?” he asked.”Sure i’ll see you later then.Bye” i end the call and went straight to Amber’s room.”Yah! Didn’t you know how to knock first?” she snapped when i suddenly entered her room while she was just about to put on her shirt.”So sorry”i apologised as i sat on her bed.”Why are you still in your clothes?” she asked as she picked up the clothes she had worn earlier and putting it away into the laundry bag.”Dae Joon just called and he is asking me out for dinner.He already made a reservation at some restaurant.” i said as i looked at Amber who is now looking in the mirror while combing her hair.”So what about your promise to accompany me to watch the drama and eat pizza together.I order the large one you know” she said sounding frustrated.”I’m sorry babe.I didn’t expect him to call me at the last minute.I mean we can always watch the drama or any drama together the next time right.How about tomorrow?Let’s just push the emailing on Monday and spent our Sunday together.I promise i will spend the whole day with you tomorrow and will not complain about any drama that you wish to watch.”i pout my lips and making cute gesture at her hoping that she won’t be upset.She nodded and pushed me out from her room as she followed suit.”So are you just gonna wear like this for your dinner date?”Amber asked as she scrutinize me as her eyes trailed me from top to bottom.”Why is there anything wrong with my outfit?” i asked curiously.”Well...i mean usually when guys ask a girl out for a date at some fancy restaurant that he had made a reservation,he would expect the girl to wear something more elegant.Perhaps like a long dress or something that looks chic at least.Not one in sweater and jeans.” Amber explained and for some reason i suddenly wondered when did this tomboy gal became a date expert and a fashionista?”Amber don’t you remember he can’t see?” i said and Amber shrugged not really impressed with the excuse i gave her.”Yah!But the people around him have eyes that can see” she teased me as she made the gesture ‘i-am-watching-you’.Amber was right i need to be like Dae Joon who is always observing his surrounding and i too need to be wary of how people see and judge me.”Fine i’ll go change.” i murmured as i look at the time and realized that i have only 15 more minutes to get dressed before Dae Joon arrive to fetch me.I went straight to my wardrobe and scan through every single clothes that i have.My wardrobe is not exciting at all.Not much fancy clothes and definitely not one where if i were to have a younger sister,i think she wouldn’t even bother to scavenge through it as there won’t be anything fancy or pretty for her to play dress up with.My hands finally stop at a dress.Its a simple red dress that’s about knee length with long sleeves.Its got a little ruffle going all around the hem of the dress.I remember i last wore the dress for my graduation ceremony for a photo session and after that it was left hung in the wardrobe.In fact that’s the only dress i have in my wardrobe as i am usually in either sweaters or t-shirt and jeans.Yes i’m not that typical girl who would play dress up and took OOTD selfies.I’m more a casual person.I quickly put on the dress and check myself in the mirror.Due to what happen earlier during lunch,i kind of look pale.So i decided to put on some light make up and sprayed on a little perfume which i usually would not.But for the sake of this so called “classy dinner” as how Amber described it i decided that i should make that extra effort.Just as soon as i did a final touch up to my not so bare face,Dae Joon called .”Hi Leya,I’m already downstairs.Are you ready?” he asked and i can tell that he sounded a little nervous.Perhaps he too had dress up himself.Maybe in a tuxedo or some smart suit.”Right i’m coming down now” i said as i left the room.Amber who just came out from the kitchen stood frozen as she observed me.”What?”i asked her.”Woah i didn’t know you can look this good and really take my words seriously” she said as she gave me a thumbs up an acknowledging the effort I've put in to looking presentable.”Yah! thank you..i owe it to you.Dae Joon is already downstairs.I need to go.” i scurried to the door while struggling to put my heels on.”Let me help you my lady” Amber said as she knelt down and help me to strap on the the buckle of the heels.”Haven’t been wearing them for years” i said.”I know but you look really beautiful Leya.Have fun aight” Amber got up and hugged me.I thanked her and bid her goodbye as i quickly make my way to the lift.Just as soon as i reached the lobby i saw Dae Joon’s car already waiting for me and just as i’m about to reach it Jeog Ho got out to open the door for me.”Thank you” i said and he nodded and smile.I felt a little relieve that he doesn’t seemed cold like before.

  We reached the restaurant and as usual Jeong Ho drove away leaving me and Dae Joon.We entered the restaurant and the waiter took us straight to the reserved table.”Here’s the menu Mr.Kang and once you are ready to make your order please call me.I’ll be glad to serve you” the waiter smiled and he left to attend to the other patrons.”He seemed to already know you.Did you come here often?” i asked Dae Joon.”Yeah,this is my mother’s favourite restaurant.My parents would often bring me here for dinner when they were still around.But ever since they left i haven’t been here.It’s been a while.But the waiter still recognize me though.” Dae Joon said as he took out a small device from his pocket and started to point it to the menu.Everytime he scan the device across the menu,the device speaks.”Turkey ham and ricotta cheese pasta”.A voice sounded through the device.I was amazed and didn’t hesitate to ask him.”Woah cool looking device you got there.” i exclaimed as i watched Dae Joon moved the device through the menu.”Oh this was given to me by my cousin.She got this for me when she came back form a holiday in UK.It helps me a lot especially when the text are not in braille.I always take it with me everywhere i go.” Dae Joon explain as he slid the device back into his pocket.Once we both have decided on what we are having Dae Joon raised his hands to call for the waiter.As we waited for our order i can’t help but just swoon at how handsome Dae Joon was.He was wearing a black suit that was paired with a white shirt in it and a thin black tie.His hair was combed neatly exposing his forehead which was usually covered by his messy bangs.His chiseled jawline seemed even more prominent with that hairstyle and just like me his perfumes scent smell a little strong but still pleasant and not too overpowering.”So how was your practice coming along with the kids?” i asked him starting a conversation.”Oh everything is going on really well.The kids are improving a lot.They had been coming for self-practice on every Saturday for the past weeks.Apparently Dae Joon had earlier told me about a competition that he and his class would be taking part in January.The competition would be in Japan.Just then our food arrived.Its no wonder that this was Dae Joon’s mother favourite restaurant as the food was awesomely scrumptious.”So have you already started with the art piece for the competition.” Dae Joon asked as he took a sip of the Pina Colada.”Oh...to be honest,i haven’t even started yet.Even Amber is worrying about it.I still haven’t got any idea on what to paint.I need a good back story to start with.I don’t know.But i should be starting on it already.Its only 2 months away for the submission.”i said as i heaved a heavy sigh.”Don’t worry i know you will do good.Your art work is amazing Leya.I’m sure you’ll come out with something brilliant.I believe in you.Hwaiting!” Dae Joon raised a fist as a sign of support to encourage me.I giggled hearing him say “Hwaiting!” like those kpop boys always did.”Gomawoyo” i thanked him in Korean.He smiled and nodded his head.

  It was only 08:30pm when we left the restaurant so we decided to take a walk at the nearby park.It was a little chilly and even with the long sleeve i still can feel the icy tingling of the chilling breeze as it swept pass my skin.I wrapped my arms around myself trying to collect some body heat to warm myself a little.”Here let me put this on you” Dae Joon took off  his blazer and wrapped it around me as if knowing that i was already shivering.That’s the beauty of this man.He may not see but his sense is amazing.He knows exactly what is going on around him.We took a sit at the bench overlooking the pond.I breath in the cool air and felt my lungs freshened up.I sat really close to Dae Joon and layed my head on his shoulder.Dae Joon wrapped one of his arm around my shoulder as he pulled me closer.There’s no more awkwardness between us anymore.Infact we appreciate each other’s presence and enjoy every moment we had.”Dae Joon if you were able to see again one day,what’s the first thing you want to see?” i asked breaking the silent and i lift my head to look at him.”Why do you ask?” he said as he turned to face me.”I don’t know.I mean i believe in miracle and i believe it can happen to anyone.” i said,admiring his perfectly fair complexion under the moonlight.He chuckled a little.”Why?” i asked looking perplexed at his sudden reaction.”Miracle...yes to be able to see again would be a miracle.But i don’t know if it would be possible.” he simpered revealing his dimples.”Give me your hands” i said as I took both his hands and cupped them on my cheeks.Dae Joon seemed surprised at first but played along as I slowly guide his hands to feel my whole face.Letting him observe every inch of my forehead,eyes,nose and down to my lips.”You know what Leya?It would be a miracle to see you.Especially your smile” Dae Joon said as he moved closer and kissed my forehead.His lips felt warm against my skin.I hugged him tight feeling the warmth of his body and the rhythm of his heartbeat calms every nerve in my body.Burying my head in his chest i just feel love by this man.Letting his perfume permeate through every strands of my hair.”Leya, it’s time to go.” Dae Joon whispered noticing how comfortable i was embracing him and almost half asleep.”Oh yeah,its getting late already” I got up and held his hand in mine as we walk towards his car.Jeong Ho was already waiting with the door open.I entered the car and immediately rest my head on Dae Joon’s lap.”I’ll wake you up once we’ve reached” he whispered as he brushed my hair gently.I nodded and closed my eyes instantly falling asleep.

  “Leya we’re here” Dae Joon woke me up.I straightened my dress and got out from the car.Dae Joon walk me to the lift.”Thank you for the dinner” i told him as we waited for the lift.He smiled and this time i can’t resist but gave him a slight pinched on his right cheek where his dimple is more indent.He laugh a little.Just before i enter the lift i wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him close to me as i kissed him.I can tell by his motionless lips that he was caught off guard but he responded back by hugging me closer with his free hand wrapped around my waist as he kissed me harder.I slowly pull myself away and gave a final peck on his cheek.”I love you” Dae Joon whispered as he let go off my waist.”I know” i said to him as i entered the lift.As i unlocked the door and removed my heels i found Amber sleeping on the couch with the tv still on.I walk closer to her and gently nudged her to wake her up.”Hey you’re back?” Amber asked as she sat up rubbing her eyes.”Why are you sleeping here?Go to your room” i said as i help her to clear the table.There was still half of the pizza left and i brought it to the kitchen and put it in the fridge.Amber followed me to the kitchen and she back hugged me while i was washing the dishes in the sink.She suddenly lift her head and sniffed.”Yah!Did you sprayed on the wrong perfume?” she asked as she pulled some strands of my hair and start sniffing it.”Hey! Stop it.”i pushed her hand away.”Maybe your nose has not adjusted.You just woke up right?” I tried to reason myself as i quickly wipe my hands dry.I was about to enter my room when Amber stopped me stretching her arm and blocking me.”Are you sure you sprayed the right perfume?or was it his perfume?hmmm..tell me what happened?” Amber sniggered as i tried to push her aside but she still didn’t budged and was too strong for me to fight.”Amber I’m tired please let me enter my room”i begged Amber and she opened the door for me but still tailing me into my room and lay on my bed.”Your bed feels even more comfortable than mine.” Amber snuggled herself with my blanket while making faces at me.I stick out my tounge at her as i wiped off the make up from my face.”So how was the date?” Amber asked as she stared at the ceiling where i had stick on some glow in the dark stars as i am afraid of the dark.At least the glow from those stick on stars help to accompany me through the night.”Well...everything was great.We had dinner.We took a walk in the park and then he sent me home” i said as i grab the towel.”Oh c’mon Leya.There must be more to it right?” Amber whine expecting me to tell her every details of the date.”What else do you wanna know?” i asked Amber as i sat on the bed.”Well...did you guys have like..you know...?” Amber was saying things slowly as she motion the kissing action with her hands.I hit her with the pillow making her jolt up.I got up from bed and made my way to the bathroom as i serenade “Kiss it good, kiss it right.Keep it up, we be kissin' all night” the song called “Good Kisser” by Usher and i sniggered back at Amber before slowly closing the bathroom door.”Woah..so he must be a good kisser right?” Amber shouted.”Go back to your room” i called out to her.”I’m sleeping in with you tonight.” Amber replied.I turn on the the shower and regret it the moment the water rained onto my hair washing away Dae Joon’s perfume scent.Damn!I thought to myself.I should have worn the shower cap.

Chapter 6: The painting

  “If there is any client or anyone who’s coming in,please help me handle them on my behalf.I’ll be at the ‘Dungeon’ ok?” i told Amber as i pass her and Steven their coffee.”You had ideas already?” Amber asked.”Yeap” i replied as i pushed the door to the room at the back of the Gallery.I picked up the brushes and thought hard but it seems like its taking me forever to even come out with something.I put the brush down and called Dae Joon.”Yeoboseyo,are you busy?” I asked as i wandered around the room.”Hey,erm..not really.I’m just working on some notes for some of the pieces that the kids will be performing for the competition.” Dae Joon replied.I heard some music in the background and i know for sure that the kids are diligently practicing for their competition.”They sure are working hard for the competition huh?” i asked as i sat myself back on the chair staring at the blank canvas in front of me.”Oh yes,they had been practicing alot and they’re improving so much.So what are you up to?” Dae Joon asked but my mind was too busy thinking about a back story for my art piece.It was never hard for me to come out with something on the canvas but this time its a struggle for me.Perhaps the pressure of the competition and the upcoming 1 year anniversary event has really put so much stress onto me that its making it even more difficult for me to concentrate on my work.What more with the frequent pains and aches that i experience each time my illness starts acting up is adding up to the pressure.”Leya?Dear,are you there?” Dae Joon speaks again and i startled when i heard him calling me “Dear”.I smiled to myself and felt my cheeks feeling warm.I just can’t imagine how this one stranger has now become someone so close infact so dear to my heart.”Erm yeah..sorry.I was just trying to get some ideas for the art piece.I only have like 2 months away and i’m still stuck on it.” I sighed heavily sounding a little frustrated as i shut my eyes.

”Uri sarang haesseot damyeon Jeongmal sarang haesseot damyeon Jamshirado tteo ollyeojwo seoroga Jeon buyeotdeon geu ttaereul

Nunmul nage haengbog haetjanha Jebal nareul tteonajima Gaseumi neol bonael jashin Eobtdae dorawa naegero”

“If we loved If we really loved Think about it for a moment Think about the time when we were everything to each other

We were so happy to the point of tears Please don’t leave me My heart is saying it can’t let you go Come back to me”

Dae Joon serenaded my favourite song called “If You Loved Me” by ZIA Feat Davichi.Still closing my eyes i listened to him repeating the chorus part again.I hum along with him.”Does that make you feel better,Dear?” Dae Joon asked.”I love it when you sing that song for me.Yeah it does makes me feel better.Thank you” I said as i start to dip the brush into some black paint and start to do some strokes on the canvas.I love working with oil paint.The thick consistency of the paint makes every details on a painting stands out.”Mr. Kang can you help me with this?” i heard a little voice calling out to Dae Joon and knew that it must be one of his student.”Leya,the kids need me.I need to go now.Take care.I love you Dear” he said as he hung up.

  I parted the phone away from my ear and just smiled to myself.Just hearing him calling me “Dear” and having him singing to me for that few minutes somehow gave me some inspirations and i’m starting to feel more motivated than before.I just don’t know what is it that i’m painting but my hands just seem to move along with every stroke of the brush.I kept on doing strokes and with the lyrics of the song still playing in my head i used it as a guide for my work.Without me noticing i was already a quarter into the painting.I stood back from the canvas and look at what i had created so far.I had sketched out a silhouette of a girl with long wavy hair and her hands held out as if reaching out for something or someone.But what i noticed is that i had drawn her with eyes closed.For a moment i just froze as i examine my own work.”Why is she closing her eyes?” i wondered to myself.But something tells me that this is not just any painting it has more to it.I instantly felt like i have a connection to it.More so that i feel as if the girl that i’ve just drawn is me.I put down the brush and tucked my hands into the pockets of my jacket.I felt something familiar as i reached deeper into the pocket.I took out the fabric and realized it was Dae Joon’s handkerchief.I looked at the checkered patterns on the handkerchief and immediately thought of intersections.How all the lines meet at one point and the other would overlapped or intersect another.I quickly grabbed a piece of blank paper and start writing a few lines.Every now and then i glanced up at the drawing of the girl and words just starts flowing.

“There will be a point in your life where you are met with intersections.You know you have to make a decision or rather a choice and choose the correct path.But sometime you don’t necessarily have to make that choice. Infact those intersections could be a turning point or a detour to where it’ll takes you back through the path you’ve already taken.Tracing back your tracks to see what was there that you might have missed out or not completed along the way.It was at that moment when your path crossed with his and you realized that the decisions you had been struggling to make all along was actually HIM.He was a distraction but at the same time he too was the link to all of your decision making.It’s not about your decision that matters now.Its about his happiness that keeps you fighting on.As much as you want to avoid him,His beauty traps you into his path and you slowly find yourself walking alongside him but eventually keeping your pace faster a you take control and led him through.Its not your wish,dreams or decision that you care now.Its his happiness that you desire.To you he is a distraction but a beautiful one to avoid.He was your Beautiful Distraction”

I put down the pen and stared at what i’ve written.”This is about me.About us” i thought to myself as i slumped back into the chair and tilt my head back shutting my eyes.If he is the reason for all this than this shouldn’t be a burden anymore.This should be easy.This should be....”Leya,aren’t you hungry?Don’t you wanna have...Whoa..what have you done here?Already getting some work here i see?” Amber exclaimed as she walk into the room.I startled at her sudden nudge on my shoulder.I rubbed my eyes and picked up the piece of paper that i had written my back story from the floor.It had slipped when i jolted from my seat.”Oh yeah..i’m just getting started .There’s still alot more to be done.” I said as i got up and move closer to Amber who was staring at the incomplete art work with her mouth slightly gaped.”Just started are you kidding me?Leya it looks great to me already.Wonder what’s the back story about?It seems like you’re trying to tell something through this piece.Its got a different vibe to it compared to your other art works.” Amber said as she runs her fingers through the lines on the painting.”Oh erm..you think so?” i gave Amber that peculiar look.This girl is really smart in some ways.Sometimes i feel like she could read my mind.”Well...i don’t know but anyway you’re doing great.Keep going.”Amber patted my shoulder.”Hey me and Steven are going out for lunch.Are you coming?” she asked as she made her way to the door.”Erm..i don’t think so.You guys go ahead.I’ll have mine later”I waved my hands and gestured her to leave as i continued to work on my art piece again.Amber shrugged and left the room.

  “Babe,you still with your work?It’s getting late you know?” Amber shook me to wake me up.Apparently i had fallen asleep on the couch placed at the corner of the room.I guessed being too caught up with the painting has really drained all the energy out of me.”What time is it already?” i asked as i rubbed my eyes.”5 minutes to 7pm”Amber answered as she helped me to clean up and put away all the brushes.I quickly got up and washed the paint palette.”Gosh i must’ve been sleeping for quite sometime.But there’s still a lot to be done though and i actually feel bad for not being able to help you guys much with the Gallery today.”i sighed as i dry my hands with the hand towel that Amber handed to me.”Well i know how important this competition is but you need to take it slowly.Don’t rush it.Its ok me and Steven will help with rest of the work in this Gallery.By the way, a client came looking for you just now but Steven help to handle it.” Amber explained as we both left the room.Steven had already left earlier.”I reckon you hadn’t had anything since lunch right?” Amber asked as she locked the Gallery’s gate.I only nodded because i only have myself to blame for declining her offer to go out lunch earlier.I heard my stomach growled and Amber giggled when she noticed it too.”Let’s go have dinner before we head home ok?” Amber said as she ruffled my hair playfully.”Ok.Let’s go get the usual” i answered as we both headed for the car.

Chapter 7: Who is she?

  It has been busy these few days and i took some time away from my art work for the competition to concentrate and help the other two with the preparation for the Gallery’s 1 year anniversary that’s happening tomorrow Saturday.We had planned for some of the art pieces to go on for auctions and the money gathered will be donated to the charity for the Children’s Cancer organization.My phone rang and i hurriedly went to my desk to get my phone.”Yeoboseyo” i answered.”Hi Leya,I’m afraid i couldn’t have dinner with you later.I have some important things to attend.I’m really sorry Dear.” Dae Joon said sounding apologetic.”Well it’s ok Hun.We can meet for dinner some other time.” i said as we end the call.But something just tells me that Dae Joon is trying to hide something from me.He’s been acting weird the past few days.There were times where he didn’t answer my calls and there were few occasions where he seemed to be rushing while talking to me on the phone.I just don’t feel right.I shrugged off the thoughts as i put the phone away and return back to helping Amber and Steven with the setting up of the Gallery for tomorrow’s event.Throughout the day my mind was muffled with thoughts about Dae Joon.Questions like “Is he seeing someone else?” or “Is he trying to ignore me?” kept raining in my head.I tried to keep myself busy with the work at the Gallery but that doesn’t seem to help.Amber decides that we should closed our Gallery today at 6pm instead of 7pm as we were all tired from all the preparations and needed that extra rest for tomorrow’s event.

  Amber gave Steven a lift that evening.Steven took the passenger seat after i declined to be seated in front as i gave an excuse that i need to lie down and rest.I was actually not in the mood for any conversation at all as my mind was still filled with thoughts about Dae Joon’s sudden change in character.While in the car both Amber and Steven were having some hearty conversations talking about some random things and at times laughing to each other’s jokes. We had decided to have dinner at our usual restaurant before Amber dropped Steven at his place.Once in a while i caught Amber darting me a concerned look through the rear view mirror as she watched me stared blankly out the window and wondering why hadn’t i been talking since we left the Gallery.”You ok Leya?” Amber asked when she noticed i looked rather annoyed and i kept fidgeting with my phone.”Yeah.....” i dragged my answer as i heaved a heavy sigh and tossed my phone in to my bag.Steven and Amber exchange look as they both shrugged and continued with their conversation.”Hey babe can we stopped by the cafe that’s near to the High Street Market?” I suddenly asked Amber as i inched forward and tapped on her shoulder.”Waeyo?” Amber asked with her eyebrows arched looking really confused at my sudden request.”Are we having dinner there?” Steven interrupted.”No..erm...its just that i needed to check something” i said as i quickly glanced back at my phone trying to avoid both their gazes.Amber obediently make a right turn and took a different route .Amber didn’t know exactly which restaurant i was talking about but she immediately slowed down her car as we passed by some cafes and restaurant lined up along the street.The moment Amber made another right turn and the restaurant that i once had dinner with Dae Joon came to sight i tapped on Amber’s shoulder almost shaking her to stop the car.”Aish!....what is it?” Amber sounded rather irritated as i made her stepped on the breaks so hard making the three of us jolted forward.”Stay right here.I just need to check on something” i told them and push the door open.I took a step forward as my eyes roamed through the restaurant through the glass window that was a little misty from the rain.My feet suddenly felt heavy.My lips went dry and without me noticing my eyes started to well up.There,right in front of me i saw Dae Joon smiling and laughing while talking to a lady all dressed so professionally sitting across him with her back facing me.He never looked this happy before when talking to me.Yes,we did have some good and funny conversation when we’re together but this time its not the same.He looked more lively.He seemed very comfortable and enjoying the company of that lady.I felt a tap on my shoulder and i shuddered but still kept silent as tears rolled down my cheeks.”Babe are you ok?” Amber asked and Steven was already signalling her to look to the front.Amber too saw what i’ve just witnessed.”I think we should go” Amber grab my shoulders as she slowly turned me around.But i pushed her arm away and started marching off.A wrath of anger fumed in me and i could really feel my palms getting warm as i clenched my fist.Before i could reached the restaurant door Amber grabbed my arm and pulled me aside.”Yah! What do you think you’re doing?” she asked and sounded almost whispering as she tried to avoid glares from the passerby.I was already crying my eyes out.”Why did he do this to me?Who is she?” i couldn’t control my emotions.I wanted to make another attempt towards the restaurant door but this time Steven blocked my way.”Leya,i know you’re upset at what you see.But you can’t just barged into the restaurant like this.Not with so many people around.Leya i think its best we just head home” Steven tried to talk some sense into me.He was right.No matter how mad i am at that moment.Barging in and creating a scene will not solve anything.I ran to the car and slammed the door shut.As i curled my feet up and cried the longest cry i’ve ever had.Amber instructed Steven to drive instead while she accompany me at the back seat.Throughout the journey home Amber and Steven kept silent.I was still crying and Amber pulled me in for a hug.I rest my head on her shoulder sobbing uncontrollably.My chest felt tight and my breathing started to become unstable.I was coughing and my back hurts so bad.”Leya!..Leya..!” Amber called out to me.”Steven take us to the hospi...” before Amber could finish i stopped her.”No..no..just get me home.Please.” my voice croaked.Steven sped the car and in no time we reached our apartment.”Are you sure she’s going to be ok?” Steven asked Amber as he help to carry both our bags and followed us to the lift lobby.Amber rested my arm over her shoulder as she supported me.I was dragging my feet as i walk feeling my steps getting heavy and my vision getting a little blurred.”Slowly Leya” Amber said softly as we approached the lift where Steven was already leaning against the door to stop it from closing.When we reached our apartment door.Amber slowly open the door and switched on the lights while still grabbing onto my waist with one of her hand.Steven helped to close the door behind us as Amber layed me down on the couch.Steven put our bags on the coffee table and he sat down on the floor facing me.I couldn’t open my eyes.My head felt heavy but my breathing is stabilizing.”Leya,get up.Have a drink” Amber help me to get up and gave me the glass of water.I took a sip and tilt my head as i closed my eyes again.”Are you feeling better Leya?” Steven asked sounding worried.I just nodded my head slowly.”Steven you can drive my car home.Just remember to come and fetch us tomorrow ok?”Amber told Steven as she led him to the door.I lifted my head and straightened myself a little.”Steven I’m sorry that we didn’t have dinner tonight.” i said feeling bad that because of me,all three of us missed our dinner.”Its ok Leya.Rest well please.Its going to be a long day tomorrow.Bye” Steven smiled as he put on his shoes and left.

  “Amber,can you sleep with me tonight?” I asked as i tried to get up but slipped back again onto the couch.Amber hurriedly grabbed my arm and rest it on her shoulder.”You need to rest Leya.” Amber said as she supported me and walk me to my bed.I lay down and Amber help me to remove my socks.She pull the covers over me and tucked it in.I couldn’t sleep that night.So many questions pondered me.”Who is she?”..”What is her relationship with him?”.I kept tossing and turning.Amber was already soundly asleep next to me.I brushed her fringe away from covering her eyes.She groaned a little and her eyebrows furrowed as she squinted trying to adjust her eyes.”You’re still not asleep yet?” Amber asked and her voice sounded coarse.Amber is a light sleeper and just a slight nudge will wake her up.I rolled over on my side and got out of bed.I stretched my arms as i walked to the window and drew the curtains apart.The moonlight cast a narrow ray into my room.I turned and look over at Amber who was already seated at the edge of the bed but still having her eyes closed.”Sorry i woke you up babe” i said as i sighed and watched the carefully aligned cars parked along the shoulder of the streets.The chilling breeze greeted me as it caress my cheeks making me shudder a little.”You should really get some sleep you know.”Amber said as she ruffled through her hair and stood next to me.”I don’t know Amby.This whole thing about Dae Joon and the lady we saw with him just now is really driving me crazy” I slumped into the daybed placed by the window.Amber sat beside me and pulled me in closer to her.”Leya,i don’t know anything about love or relatonship.I don’t have any good advice for you on this.But only one thing i can say..” she turned and looked at me.”Dae Joon is a nice guy and i believe he has his reasons for whatever happened between you and him lately.The only thing you both need to do is to talk things out with a cool head of course.Stop jumping into conclusion.It will only make matters worst.You got that Leya?”Amber nudged my arm.I nodded and had to agree with her on this.Amber is right.I need to talk to him.We need to discuss it through.I yawn a little and Amber pulled my hand and led me to the bed.”Go to sleep Leya.We have an important day tomorrow.”she said as she climbed up into bed and buried her face in the pillow.I turned over to my side and closed my eyes.

Chapter 8: Anniversary

  In 15 minutes time the 1 year Anniversary event for our Gallery will commence.But Dae Joon has not even call or left me a voice message.”Has he forgotten?” I thought to myself as i check my phone for any miscall or any voice messages from him but there were none.”Ladies i think its about time” Steven reminded me and Amber who were getting ready at the ‘Dungeon’.Both me and Amber nodded and the three of us proceeded to the front.All the guest including some of our clients and Amber’s parents were already gathered.The moment we made an appearance from the back room door all the guest applauded.Amber’s parents were the first to welcome us as each of them gave me,Amber and Steven a hug.Amber took the mic and made an appreciation speech to all the guest than came to embrace this wonderful event.We invited the guest to have some refreshments before proceeding with the auction event.Throughout the entire time i kept looking at the Gallery door hoping that Dae Joon would come but there were no signs of him.I tried to keep my mind off from him by mingling around with the guest and having some conversations with some of my clients.”Hey you ok?” Amber nudged my shoulder while i was pouring myself some fruit cocktail.”Yeah,i guess” i answered not sounding convinced at all.I sighed and i took a sip of the cocktail.”C’mon Leya,its our 1 year anniversary.Our hard work together.See all these guest.They’re all here to celebrate our achievement.You can’t be pulling a long face like this.Smile ok?” Amber pushed her fingers to her cheeks and pulling her lips up making a smile.I laughed a little and nod my head.Amber placed her arm across my shoulder as she led me through the crowd to the front for the auction.Steven was already on the mic announcing the start of the auction.The auction went smoothly with many of the paintings were bid at an imaginable price.Some of it were even beyond our expectation.”Going once,twice....right sold to the gentlemen with that generous bid.Thank you Sir.” Steven said as he rings the bell and sold off the last painting put up for the auction.”We would like thank everyone of you here for coming and making this 1st year anniversary for our Gallery a successful one.We hope you will keep supporting us and we look forward to more successful and brighter future for our Gallery.Thank you once again.”Amber rep up the whole event with her speech.Bit by bit the guest left the Gallery and Amber’s parents were the last people to leave.”Congratulations guys.”Amber’s mother gave us each a hug.”My little baby,you made me proud today.I admit i was wrong for doubting you in the first place about this whole Gallery thing.But...you prove me wrong.You really have done us proud my dear.”Amber’s father said as he playfully brushed her hair.”Yah!...Dad i’m not a little kid anymore.Don’t call me baby” Amber pushed her father’s hand away and her cheeks turning red from embarrassment making all of us laughed.”Thank you so much Mr.Lee and Mrs.Lee.We couldn’t have done it without you.”I thanked both Amber’s parents and they smiled warmly acknowledging me.Once they left,all three of us started cleaning the Gallery.

  It was already 6:30pm when we finally finish cleaning the Gallery. ”Guys,i think i’ll stay in the Gallery for a little while more.I need to continue with the painting for the competition.You guys can go ahead with dinner.” I said as i placed back one of the painting to its original spot.”You sure about that?” Steven asked as he put on his jacket.I nodded and headed straight for the Dungeon door.”Leya!” Amber called out to me as she approached me.”Please don’t stay up so late and remember to lock the doors and gates.And...” before she could finish i cut her in” Don’t forget to take my medicines?”I said as i grinned at her.She nodded and hugged me.Both Steven and Amber left and i proceeded with the painting.I tried my best to concentrate on the painting even plugging in the mp3 player and played some of my favourite songs.But all my attempts to get my mind off from Dae Joon was in vain.Every stroke of the brush against the canvas just felt like a scratch piercing straight through my heart.My vision became blur as i started tearing without even realizing it.I stop painting and slumped myself into the couch tucked away at the corner of the room.I took out the handkerchief from my pocket and clenched it putting it against my chest.Trying to think back those happier times i had with Dae Joon.But suddenly gritting my teeth when the image of him talking and laughing with that lady at the restaurant came into my mind.I rolled up the handkerchief and threw it towards the painting.Suddenly an insane idea came to me.It was at that moment i realized why i had drawn the girl with her eyes closed.The question that i had first asked myself when i started to sketch her out.The handkerchief was meant to cover her eyes.Yes,that extra elements that i always love to play around with my art work.Adding materials to my painting has always been my style of working with all my art pieces.I quickly got up and went straight to work with the painting again.This time my mind was totally focused on the painting and my hands were moving even faster than before.I dipped the handkerchief into a mixture of pva glue and water.The kind of mixture people would use when they doing paper mache.I wrenched the the handkerchief until the excess glue mixture has all been drained out and fold the handkerchief to form a blind fold making sure that i crumpled it a little to make it look like its a little worn off.I carefully placed the handkerchief and aligning it to the bridge of the girl’s nose making sure that the blind fold is covering the girls eyes.I pressed the handkerchief gently as i hold it in place for a few minutes before taking my hands off it until it had really stick to the canvas.I took a step back from the painting and stared at it.It looked real.It’s as if the painting is talking to me.The way the girl in the painting held out her hands and the little tear that i’ve drawn trickling down her right cheek and now with her eyes blindfolded.But even with all that i had actually drew her smiling.She was smiling even with her eyes covered.All of it just seem to relate to me.”If its meant to be your happiness.Then i guess it will be my happiness too.”my thought seemed to drift back to what Dae Joon used to tell me.As i shut my eyes it’s as though i heard his voice resounding in my head.”It will be a miracle to see your smile Leya” flahshbacks of the time he and I were having that conversation at the park came back.I shook my head and open my eyes.What really shook me was that just like the painting i too was actually closing my eyes and smiling as tears rolled down my cheeks.I touched my damped cheeks and could not believe myself that i had actually drew myself.That personal desire in me that wanted so much for Dae Joon’s miracle to happen.It was surreal but it was even more precious than anything else that i have ever desired.I took out the piece of paper where i had written down some depiction of the painting and started to think that it would be a good idea if i could paint the words and include it as a background as if the girl is now surrounded by that inner thoughts of her’s.Or rather that inner thought of mine.I took a thin brush and started adding those words onto the painting.Painting them lightly almost as if the words were fading in the background.When i finally had the last few words painted,i put down the brush and take a look at the painting again.I heaved a heavy sighed as i now looked proudly at the finished painting.It looked amazing and the handkerchief just made the whole painting looked complete.My phone beeped and it was Amber texting me if i wanted to have her packed dinner for me.I replied with a Yes and chucked my phone back into my bag.I took a piece of cloth (those black piece of cloth where we usually use to cover paintings to protect them) and covered my art piece.

  It was already 8pm when i left the Gallery.While waiting for the bus i thought back about what Amber told me last night.I need to talk to Dae Joon.even till now he hasn’t call or voice message me.Which is already getting on my nerves.Instead of taking the bus i decided to hail a cab and made my way to Dae Joon’s house.When i arrived at his house i noticed that all the rooms were dark accept for one room tucked at the far end on the second floor.Dae Joon’s house looks a lot like a mansion with an open backyard and an indoor swimming pool.I’ve only been there once but i swear it would take me a year to finish touring around this ginormous house.I stood rooted to the front door.Suddenly i went numb and just couldn’t bring myself to even knock on the door.Just when i thought of making a u-turn and abort my mission of meeting Dae Joon,the door swing open.There stood Jeong Ho at the doorway with his eyebrows furrowed giving me a sharp look.”Ms.Leya what brings you here?”he asked still looking rather perplexed.”Oh..erm..i...actually..”I stammered trying to find the right words to say and explain about my sudden presence.”I saw you getting down the cab from the kitchen window.Please come in” Jeong Ho said as he gestured to me to come in.”Oh thank you” i replied feeling a little nervous.He led me through the hallway and brought me up the staircase.”I assume you’re here to see Master Kang?” he asked as we climbed up the spiral staircase leading to the second floor”Yes,I’m here to see Dae Joon.Is he in?” i asked as my eyes roam around looking at the hanged photographs of Dae Joon with his parents.Some of the pictures were photos of him in his younger days.”Master Kang is in the music room now.C’mon i’ll bring you to him” Jeong Ho replied as he ushered me through the long corridor.He stopped in mid way.”Ms.Leya,Master is in the room right at the end of this corridor.I’ll leave you here.I need to go to the kitchen to do some cleaning up”he said as he left and walk briskly back down the corridor to the staircase.I took a deep breath and move forward carefully trying not to make any sound.I don’t know why i was tip toeing.But one thing for sure was that i heard laughter coming from the brightly lit room.What’s more agitating was that i heard a lady’s voice so distinctly. Every now and then i heard some music being played on the piano and knew exactly that Dae Joon was the one playing it.When i was almost reaching the door,i stop in my tracks and hid myself behind the door that was left ajar as i took a chance to peek in.I don’t want Dae Joon or even the lady to know about my presence.As i peered in i could see the same lady whom i saw having dinner with Dae Joon yesterday was sitting so close to him.She was resting her head on Dae Joon’s shoulder while punching some notes on the piano.I admit she was beautiful.She had straight brown hair that falls perfectly on her shoulders.Her velvet red dress seem sophisticated and it shows off her slender legs.I felt myself fuming with anger.I clenched my fist and my knuckles went pale.Without hesitation,i stormed into the room causing the lady to jolt up from her seat and stood straight looking shocked.”So is this why you cancelled our dinner yesterday?Is giving her a private piano lesson more important than attending the Gallery event i invited you today?” i pointed straight to the lady who was looking so confused.My voice quivering as i tried to hold back my tears.”Wait..What?I don’t get it.Dae Joon what’s all this?”the lady asked looking from Dae Joon and back to me with her mouth slightly gaped.”Leya..erm..i can explain” Dae Joon said and his voice sounded almost pleading.”You know what?I’m done here” i cut him in and dashed out the room immediately without even looking back.Leaving the lady looking appalled at the whole situation.I ran passed Jeong Ho along the corridor who was looking bewildered seeing me crying uncontrollably.”Leya!..Leya...please wait” Dae Joon called out to me as he scramble through the corridor chasing after me.I was too furious to even turn to look at him and did not even bother to check on him when he tripped over his walking aid.Just at that moment when i left the front door a cab came driving pass and i hailed it.I told the driver to drive fast without even telling him where i’m heading to.I was crying my eyes out and my mind was muffled with so many things running through it.I just could not fathom the whole situation that had just happened.After what seemed like ages and when i finally came to my senses and managed to collect myself again.The driver finally spoke after checking that i was not crying anymore from the rear view mirror.”Erm miss,i’m sorry but where are you heading to?You haven’t told me your destination since you got into my cab.” the driver gave me a peculiar look from his reflection through the rear view mirror.”Oh i’m sorry sir.yeah 12252,Itaewon-dong” my voice croaked.I tilt my head back and shut my eyes.My head was throbbing.All those crying had given me a sudden migrane attack.

  “Hey you’re back..wait..wait” Amber said as she rushed to stop me when i suddenly burst through the front door and dashed straight to my room slamming the door shut behind me.”Leya!Open up!What’s wrong?”Amber banged on my door demanding me to open it.I threw myself to the bed and burying my face in the pillow.Sobbing uncontrollably.Realizing that the door wasn’t locked,Amber slowly turned the knob and entered my room.When i felt her sitting next to me i curled myself up and pulled the covers as i wrapped myself in it covering my head with the pillow.”Leya what happened?” Amber asked as she placed her hand on my shoulder.I kept silent.The last thing i wanna do is to talk about that ugly incident again.”Leya,c’mon why are you acting like this?Is it about Dae Joon again?” Amber asked as she gently rubbed my shoulders in an attempt to console me.But just hearing his name made me jolt up from bed as i stood up with brows furrowed and hands folded looking so dissatisfied at Amber for mentioning his name.Suddenly everything about Dae Joon just irks the freak out of me.”Don’t you ever mention his name again” i lash out at Amber who was looking dumbfounded at my sudden wrath of frustration.I turned away from her and slumped to the floor curling my legs as i cried my heart out.Amber knelt down with me and pull me in for a cajoling hug while brushing my hair as she tried to console me.”Hush..hush..Leya calm down babe.I’m here alright.I’m sorry ok.I won’t talk about anything if you’re not ready to.It’s ok” Amber hugged me tighter.Her sleeve was already soaked with my tears.Amber pull me up and help me to sit on the bed.I covered my face still crying as Amber sat next to me rubbing my back to help soothes me.Once i was able to calm myself down i lift my head up and turned to face Amber who was still looking so concerned.”Do you wanna talk about it now?” Amber asked as she help to wipe my damp cheeks.I swallowed hard and slowly relate to her what had happened earlier at Dae Joon’s house.I burst into tears again as i told her about the lady and how close she was to Dae Joon.Amber quickly pulled me in and hugged me tight.”Hush..hush..Leya...it’s ok don’t talk anymore.”Amber consoled me.That night i slept alone.Amber had offered to accompany me but i decline as i don’t want her to have to put up with me and hearing my problems depriving her from her sleep like last night.I couldn’t fall asleep.The image of Dae Joon and the lady kept replaying in my head.Their laughter and the way they sat so close to each other just hurts me so deeply.My eyes were already so puffy from the crying.Suddenly my phone beeped and it was a text message from an unknown number.I hesitated to open it in the first place but decided that i should just check it in case it was from one of my regular client.The message read..”Leya,this is me.The lady you saw with Dae Joon just now.I really don’t know what happened and what is it between you and Dae Joon but i hope i could meet you tomorrow at the Han River.There’s something that i need to tell you.I hope you could be there at 2pm tomorrow.I’m really looking forward to meet you Leya and solve all this misunderstanding once and for all.” I switched off my phone and toss it to my side.I stared at the ceiling looking at the glowing stars that i had stuck onto.Thinking to myself whether i should be meeting her or not.I closed my eyes and immediately fall asleep.Perhaps i was too drained out from the crying.

Chapter 9: Her Confession

  “So she wants to meet you i see.Are you gonna meet her?” Amber asked as she settle herself at the breakfast table.Apparently i had shown her the message i received last night from the lady.She poured for me a glass of orange juice while helping herself to a piece of toast.I shrugged as i munched down a spoonful of cereals.We had our breakfast in silence.Amber kept darting curious looks at me but i avoided them all keeping my eyes glued to the bowl of cereals i was having.As i moved to the sink to wash the  cereal bowl Amber followed me.”You look pale.Are you alright?” Amber asked as she rested her hand on my shoulder and giving it a light squeezed.”I felt a little light headed today when i woke up.I just don’t feel good.”i said as i wiped my hands dry with the hand towel Amber handed to me.”If you’re still thinking of meeting the lady,i can accompany you.” Amber said as she helped to clean up the rest of the stuffs on the breakfast table.I head back to my room and lay on the bed shutting my eyes.My had felt heavy and my back felt achy.Amber came in and sat next to me.”You think i should meet her?” i asked as i sat up and rested myself against the headboard.”Well from the text,she sounded keen in meeting you.Perhaps she really does have something important to tell you.Maybe its about Dae..”Amber stopped when she saw me shift a little at the mention of his name.Guess she still remembered how angry i was when she mentioned his name yesterday.”Yeah i guess you’re right.I should be meeting her.I wanna know exactly what is her relationship with Dae Joon.” Amber turned and looked a little perplexed when i mentioned his name but a faint smile appeared on her lips feeling relieved that i wasn’t angry anymore.

  I got down from the car and sighed as i recalled the first time me and Dae Joon spent talking and telling about our stories.Then my eyes were fixated to the bench in front of me.The exact same spot Dae Joon and i had sat that day as we take in the view of the Han River.But it was already taken up by someone.By a lady to be exact.Just the view of her back is enough to irk me.I knew exactly that she was that lady who had wanted to meet me.” Leya,I’ll be waiting in the car ok?” Amber said as she wind down the window. I nodded and smile at her.I turned around and slowly made my way to the bench.Trying my best not to burst at the lady again like i did yesterday.”So what was it that you wanna talk about?” I asked as i approached her but not sitting next to her instead i moved up a few steps ahead and folded my arms looking out to the river with my back facing her.She was startled at my sudden presence.She quickly got up and stood next to me.Tucking her hair behind her ear,she cleared her throat and turned to me.”Leya..I’m Suri” she held out her hand waiting for me to respond with a handshake.I turned and gave her a rather annoyed look.’Why is she even trying to be so nice after what happened yesterday?Did she not know how mad i was after seeing how close she was to Dae Joon?’ my thoughts just suddenly went berserk.I clenched my fist hiding it behind me as i don’t want her to see the anger that’s building up in me.Seeing that i wasn’t replying to her handshake,she retreated her hand looking quite uneasy.”Leya..I know you were upset yesterday seeing me and Dae Joon.Actually Leya...Dae Joon and I has always been close..”before she could finish i snapped at her.”What?What did you say again?You guys had been close all along and now you’re trying to tell me that you and Dae Joon are having a relationship behind my back?” i was already shouting not being able to sustain my anger after hearing what she said.”No..Leya..please listen to me first.It’s not like what you think it is.We had been so close like that since we were young.Dae Joon and i are cousin.” she stop as she gave me a concerning look.I was looking down at my feet keeping silent.Still trying to digest everything that she had just told me.”Then why didn’t Dae Joon tell me all about it?Why was he keeping silent these few days?” i asked as i finally look at her.”Leya,Dae Joon just doesn’t know how to tell it to you.I’m the one to be blame as i had been keeping him busy lately because of my wedding preparation.I had requested Dae Joon to compose for me a song to be played on my wedding day.I’m really sorry Leya.Because of me,both you and Dae Joon had this misunderstanding.” Suri said as she took out her phone and played a song.It was the same song i heard that Dae Joon was playing on his piano last night at the music room.I was appalled at myself for being so hasty and for jumping into conclusion.My lips went dry and i felt so guilty for being mad at both Suri and Dae Joon.I had misjudged them.Clearly there was nothing between the two of them.I was the one who was overreacting.”Suri..I’m sorry.I really shouldn’t have even thought about you and Dae Joon having some affair..i...”before i could finish Suri took my hand and patted it.”Leya it’s not your fault.If I were you.I would’ve thought the same thing.”she gave me an assuring nod.I cried as i reach out my hands to her and we hug each other.I suddenly felt so sinful towards Suri.”Leya i only have a request from you.” Suri said as she slowly parted from me.”Request?What is it? i asked my voice croaked from the crying.”Leya,please promise me that you will never leave Dae Joon ever again.Dae Joon has told me so much about you.Honestly i have never seen him being so happy like now after all that has happened to him.Eversince you came into his life,Dae Joon has become a different person.He seemed to be more happier.He’s been through a lot and i know you’re the only one who can make him smile again. ” Suri said as she clasped my hands in hers with a hopeful look on her face.I didn’t answer her request.Actually i don’t even know how to answer it.”Suri..let’s go Hunny” a tall and smartly dressed man was calling out to Suri from a distance as he stood by his car.”Leya I have to go.My fiance is waiting for me.I hope you could do that request for me.”she gave me a final hugged as she scurried towards her fiance.I watched Suri and her fiance as they drove off from my sight.”I can’t Suri” i whispered to myself.I clutched my chest.My breathing became heavier.I sat myelf on the bench and took out my medicine as i swallowed them dry.I tilt my head and shut my eyes.I couldn’t help but feel so wrong about this whole thing between me and Dae Joon.’How can i be so irrational?’Look what you’ve done Leya!’ my thoughts were muffled.If there is anyone to be blame for all this mess it has to be me.I’m the cause to all this misunderstanding and confusion.”Leya,where is she?The lady?” Amber asked as she sat next to me.I didn’t reply her.My Mind was still busy thinking  about everything that Suri has just told me.”Earth to Leya?! Are you listening?” Amber nudged me and i shook my head.”Oh she left.Just left.Amber let’s go home.I don’t feel good.I need to rest” I said as i got up and Amber didn’t hesitate to follow me.Throughout the journey i just kept silent.Taking my silence as a cue for her not to bother me with any question. Amber didn’t ask me anything about my meeting with Suri.

  That night Amber slept in with me.It seemed like she has been sleeping in with me often these few days.With the constant pain and aches i get whenever my illness starts acting up made it even harder for me to fall asleep.There were even nights where i was totally insomniac when the pain strikes me having no mercy at all at my already weak and exhausted mind.”You can’t sleep huh?” Amber asked as she turned to face me who was staring at the ceiling.I sighed as i turned to face her.”You wanna talk about what happened earlier?Do you wanna tell me what did the lad..”i cut her in before she could finish.”Suri..her name is Suri” i said as i sat myself up against the headboard.Amber still curled up next to me but was watching me intently and waiting for me to tell her about my meetup with Suri.I sighed heavily and started telling everything.”I’m so stupid  Amber.They are cousin and i’m just overreacting over something that’s not even true.I was being delusional” i buried my face in my hands and started crying.Amber quickly got up and console me.”Leya,everyone makes mistakes.I mean all this misunderstanding and jealousy is normal.I believe every person who’s been in a relationship will go through the same thing.”Amber hugged me tight.”I’m not even surprise if he refuse to call or even see me after this.I’ve hurt him Amber.He was innocent.”i sobbed as i wiped my tears with the sleeve of my pyjamas.”Nah..i’m sure he’ll call you.Or why not you call him instead” Amber suggested as she shoved my phone to me.”I don’t think now is the right time for me to talk to him.I think its best i give us some time out and see how things go” i murmured.”Well like i mentioned before you guys need to settle things with a cool head.I’m sure things will work out between you and him eventually.” Amber said as she curled back to her side.Amber was right.I was the angry one.I was the mean one and i was the one who could not fulfill that request Suri wants from me.Yes i can make him happy but i can’t promise if i would be there.That’s the most hardest thing.I don’t even know if i would live to see him smile again or if i’m able to see him see my smile.

Chapter 10: The last meetup

  It has been a week passed but Dae Joon has yet to call me.Neitheir did i even try to call him.I was actually too afraid to even talk to him.But the silent treatment we have been giving each other is starting to eat me up from inside.My last follow up visit with Dr.Park a few days back didn’t do any justice either.I had been asked to take a break from work and have plenty of rest.I had been resting at home for the past week.Steven had been covering for me throughout my absent.Even getting out of bed seemed to be a chore rather than a routine.It has come to a point where i’ve decided to stop taking my medications.With or without them makes no different at all.”Leya,why didn’t you eat your medicines?You even skipped breakfast.C’mon Leya it’s time to get up” Amber said as she draws the curtains apart.My eyes fluttered as i tried to adjust them to the bright sun rays that greeted me from the now open window.”Erm what time is it?” i groaned as i got up and rested against the headboard.”It’s 12 noon Leya” Amber sat herself next to me as she placed a tray on her lap with a bowl of chicken soup in it.”Eat up Leya before it gets cold.” Amber said as she ladled me a spoonful of soup and chicken pieces and carefully feeding me.I slowly munch the chicken pieces and gave her a faint smile.Seeing how i enjoyed her home cooked chicken soup,Amber gave a satisfied smile.Amber has a talent in cooking too.It has been a long time since i last ate her chicken soup.I still remember eating it when i was having a terrible high fever last year.That was when i discovered about my illness.”Aren’t you going to work today?”I asked curiously when i realized that she was still in her t-shirt and shorts.”I will be going there later at around 3pm.But i’ve cancelled all appointments i have with my client and even yours as well.I told Steven to just clear any pending emails.”she replied as she fed me another spoonful of soup as i slurp it up and wave my hands to tell her that i had enough.”I’m sorry that my absence has caused the two of you trouble with the piling work.I promised once i’m better,i’ll come back to the Gallery and clear my work load.” I said as i gave Amber’s hand a slight squeezed.”Nah..Leya.It’s ok.Me and Steven are able to handle the work.Your job is just to get well.Don’t worry about the Gallery alright!Me and Steven got all of it under control.” Amber patted my hands as she got up and took the tray with her.Just as i was about to reach for the glass of water from the nightstand next to my bed,my phone flickered and it was a message from Suri.She informed that she will be living for Japan this weekend for her wedding and Dae Joon will follow suit.Thereafter he would be continuing his stay in Japan for the music competition.I put my phone away and curl back into my warm blanket.The thought of him leaving in two days time is enough to make my stomach squirm in guilt.I was contemplating if i should be calling him or ask for a final meetup.I don’t know what was it that drives me into having such thoughts but something tells me that i need to see him for one last time because i don’t know if i will ever get the chance to see him again.

  It was Friday and i woke up feeling better but still wasn’t allowed to return back to work.Not by Dr.Park but as instructed by Ms.Amber Lee.Eventhough i had told her and begged her to let me come to the Gallery today,but she insisted that i stayed home.I looked around Amber’s room and saw a pile of fresh laundry that she has yet to fold and hang them.I help to clear the pile and proceeded to do some cleaning up around her room.Once i was satisfied with the cleanliness of her room i continued my cleaning spree to the living room and the kitchen.I finally came back into my room and slump myself into the bed.Trying to catch my breath i glanced over at the photo frame next me that i placed at the nightstand.I took the photo frame and stared at it for the longest time.It was a photo of me and Amber in our graduation gown.Each of us were holding on to our degree roll and we were seen looking so ecstatic.A bright smile drawn across our face.I stroke Amber’s picture with my thumb and a tear escaped my eye.I know that sooner or later i won’t be able to see those cheery smile and those playful tease of hers anymore.I wiped away the tears and put the photo away.I reached for my phone and saw that it was already 6pm.The Gallery will be closed in an hour time.I decided that i should be going down to have some final look at my painting which will be due for submission next week for the competition.I got dressed quickly,left the house and hurried off to the bus stand.”Hey Amby,i’m heading down to the Gallery.You still there?”i asked as i look out for the bus.”Oh i was just about to leave.Me and Steven wanted to have dinner at the usual place.You wanna come along?”she asked as i heard her fiddling with the keys.”Amber someone is looking for you” I heard Steven calling out to Amber from the background.’A client at this last minute?’i thought to myself. “Leya i gotta go just text me if you’re joining us for dinner alright.Bye” she hang up and just then my bus arrived.

  I arrived at the Gallery and was greeted by a silhouette of a man standing before the painting of the blindfolded lady that i painted.I instantly recognized who that man was.It was Dae Joon.He was that someone who was looking for Amber a while ago while i was on the line with her. I hesitate myself to move closer to him as i watched him from the entrance. Dae Joon was observing the painting so intently as he runs his fingers carefully along the lines of the painting.Then something familiar caught his attention.His fingertips were exploring every nooks and cranny through the folds of the handkerchief that i had used in the painting.His eyebrows furrowed trying to make out what was it that felt so familiar to his memory yet foreign to his touch.He was too engrossed to even notice that i was already next to him just inches away leaning sideways resting my shoulder against the empty wall next to the painting while tucking both my hands into the pockets of my jeans.I took a moment to admire the beauty of this Greek God resemblance standing before me.Those dimples,deep brown eyes,strong eyebrows,sharp nose and that perfectly sculpted jawline.Those features that i longed to see and missed for the pass weeks that we had been astray from each other.”Have you waited long for me?”i finally spoke moving myself closer to him.He turned slowly as his hands reaching out trying to feel my presence.I pulled his hands and wrapped them around my waist as i tucked my hands under his arms,pulling him in for a tight embrace.I buried my face in his chest as i whiffed in the scent of his perfume.I realized how crazily i miss everything about this man.His toned chest always feels so comforting every time i rest my head against it.”I miss you” he whispered softly into my ear as his hands brushed my hair gently.I look up to him beaming with tears in my eyes.”I’m sorry” was all i could utter to him.A weak smile forming across his lips and i kissed him.Dae Joon responded my kiss as he embrace me tight and kissing me so intently.His soft lips rubbed so delicately against mine.I pulled myself slowly from him as i reach up my hand to his cheeks,caressing them gently.Dae Joon kissed my palm and smiled.It was the most beautiful thing that i ever saw.I swear that his smile has been the epitome of my happiness right from the very beginning.”Suri told me you were leaving for Japan tomorrow” i said.Still locked in his arm.”Yeah,i’ll be there for two weeks.I’m leaving at 8am tomorrow.Leya how i wished i could take you along with me. ”Dae Joon said as he kissed my forehead.Then he continued to give me little pecks on my cheeks,my nose and back to my lips again.This time he only peck me twice on my lips teasing me as he rubbed his nose against mine.I giggled a little at his playfulness.A sharp pain suddenly struck me right through my chest.It felt like someone just gave me the most hardest blow to my ribs.I pulled myself away from Dae Joon hunching as i massage my chest trying to ease the pain.Dae Joon looked so lost when i suddenly parted from him.I realized i had forgotten to take my medication with me when i scavenged my hands through the pockets of my jacket.I let out a slight groaned as i lean against the wall shutting my eyes trying to swallow the pain.”Leya?Are you ok?” Dae Joon asked me sounding nervous.His eyebrows knitted and his eyes were wandering trying to sense me who had suddenly went missing from his clutch.”I’m ok” i answered weakly.I tried to sound normal and hiding the pain that is growing more intensely as i dragged myself slowly towards Dae Joon again.Trailing my hands on the wall as a support before i reach out to his arm again giving it a slight tugged when i find that i was about to lose my balance.I immediately hugged him to hide my pain.”Dae Joon remember you used to tell me that you wanted so much to see my smile if you were given the chance to see again.”I stop and swallowed hard as i tried my best not to let him notice that i was in so much pain.”I promise you Dae Joon that you will get that miracle.You will see my smile.I promise” i said and i kissed him again.Dae Joon slowly pull me away as he lifted my chin with his finger.Just staring at him so closely like this makes my heart beat even faster but still the pain in my chest persist.”Leya it doesn’t matter if that is even possible because the real miracle is having you in my life.You’re my miracle love” he said as he pulled me in for what i felt like the last embrace that i will ever get from him.With face still buried in his chest ,i peered from under his arm and saw Jeong Ho already standing at the entrance.”Dae Joon,its getting late you should be going.Jeong Ho is already waiting for you.” i pulled myself slowly from him and nodded at Jeong Ho who responded with a smile.”Do you want me to send you home?” Dae Joon asked as he took out his walking aid from his pocket and piecing it up.”No it’s ok.I’l call Amber to pick me up.”i said as i clutched on to my chest trying not to look obvious and gaining unnecessary stare from Jeong Ho who was waiting patiently for his Master Kang.”Please wait for my return.I love you my love”Dae Joon pulled me in again with his free hand and kissed my forehead once more.I kept silent but pecked his cheek for the last time.I watched as he entered his car.My eyes were blurred by the tears.The pain in my chest was throbbing so fiercely.I was panting and reached out my hands as if to call him back but i was to weak and my legs give way.I slumped to the floor lying on my back.I muttered “I can’t...I’m..i’m..Sor...” my eyes shut.

Chapter 11: The bitter truth

  I woke up feeling light headed.My eyes fluttered as i tried to adjust my vision to the bright lights above me.I was laying in bed with tubes attached to my hands.I was put on drips.I looked around and there were no one around.Except for the beeping of the heartbeat machine next to me.”Hey you’re awake?” Amber came into the room and sat next to me.”Yeah..what happened?” i asked her trying to get up but Amber stopped me.”Don’t! just lay down.You can’t move much.”Amber said as she straightened out the blanket .I obliged and lay back.”Leya,you passed out at the Gallery last night.Don’t you remember?” Amber asked as she gave me a concerned look.I kept silent.The last thing i could remember was that i was laying in the exact manner,staring up the ceiling of the Gallery before everything went dark.Just then the doctor and a nurse came in.He smiled at me as he placed his files on the table next to me.He took my temperature and monitored my heartbeat.”Hello I’m Dr.Choi.So how are you feeling now Ms.Leya?Better?”he asked as he browse through the documents in his file which i assumed were my medical records.”Much better Doctor but i’m feeling a little light headed.”i answered as i looked up to him who was now looking at me nodding with his eyebrows furrowed.”Well that’s good to hear.A little light headed is normal Ms.Leya.”he smiled as he scribbled something in the medical file and handed it to the nurse.”The nurse will monitor you every now and then and prescribed you the medicine as needed.Ms.Amber may i see you at my office.”the doctor said as he gestured to Amber to follow him.Amber got up and gave my hand a slight squeezed before leaving with the doctor.I was a little skeptical as to why the doctor needed to talk to Amber privately.But my head was still giddy to even think too much about it.The nurse took down the reading of my heartbeat as she records it down in the medical file.She reminded me again to press the button if i needed any assistant and left the room.I switched on the tv placed above me and just as soon as i turn on to the news channel i saw the date and time.I suddenly got reminded of Dae Joon.I panicked and pushed the accelerator button on the side of my bed to get the bed to move up.I stretched my hands to the lower drawer of the table next to me but was struggling to even open it as the tubes attached to my hands restricted my moves.”Leya what are you doing?” Amber quickly came to my aid when i started to lose my balance and almost fall from the bed.”I was trying to get to my bag”i pouted as i rest myself back into the bed.”You should’ve called the nurse.You could get hurt you know” Amber said as she handed me my tote bag.”Pfft...oh great.The battery died.”i whine and toss the phone back into my bag.”Oh..i didn’t bring any charger.Sorry”Amber said scratching her head looking apologetic.I shook my head and folded my arms.Feeling annoyed and helpless at the same time.”Are you ok Leya?Were you expecting a call from Dae Joon?”Amber asked as she pat my hands.”He left already”i murmured.”Oh..he left?Where to?He didn’t tell me anything yesterday when he wanted to meet you at the Gallery” Amber frowned.”Yeah he left for Japan with his cousin Suri for her wedding and then he will be there for another 1 week for the music competition”i sighed heavily as i curled back into the blanket.”Oh Amber what did the doctor said to you earlier at his office?Did he said anything about me?” i asked as i straightened the blanket to cover my feet which was getting cold from the air conditioner.”Oh..yeah..erm..”Amber seemed to be stuttering with her reply but was cut off when the nurse came in with the medication.”Leya i’m going down to get some drinks.I’ll be back again later ok” Amber said as she patted my hands and left the room.The medication makes me feel drowsy and it doesn’t take long for it to take effect because i immediately fall asleep after consuming them.

  “Steven wait!” Amber called out to Steven who was about to enter the lift.”Hey Amber!How’s Leya?” Steven asked as they both walk towards the cafeteria.Once at the cafeteria they sat down and had a cup of coffee each.”Well the doctor called me to his office a while ago.He told me about Leya.She...”Amber paused as she took a sip of the coffee trying to hold back her tears.Amber is not someone who easily cries in front of anyone.Not even me.But Steven sense something and didn’t hesitate to asked Amber.”Amber are you alright?What did the doctor say about Leya?”Steven gave Amber’s hand a light squeezed as he looked at her with a concerned look.Amber quickly retreat her hands from Steven and it made Steven blushed with embarrassment for his sudden unexpected gesture.”Sorry” Steven said sheepishly.Amber smile and shook her head looking flustered herself.Taking a deep breath Amber started telling Steven the conversation she had with the doctor earlier at his office.

~Doctor’s Office~

Doctor: “Ms.Amber there is something important about Ms.Leya that i need you to know.”

Amber: “What about Leya?Is it serious?”

Doctor: “Well you know that Ms.Leya has had this illness for a year right?”

Amber: “Yes Doctor i’m aware of that”

Doctor: “You see Ms.Amber because of her already advanced stage and her refusing to any operation or treatment that she was supposed to undergo earlier when she first got to know about this illness,I’m sorry to say that there is nothing that our medical team can do.The cancer has spread to her lungs and at the rate the cancer is spreading it has become impossible for the medications to take any effect on her.Her immune system has totally stop responding to the medications and i hope you are prepared about whatever the outcome will be.I’m really sorry Ms.Amber.”

  Amber burst into tears as she buried her face in her hands as she rested them on the table.Steven quickly got up and sat next to Amber.Rubbing her back trying to calm her down.It took Steven off guard when Amber turned and hugged him as she cried continuously on his shoulder.He brush her hair gently as a faint smile appeared on his lips.”It’s ok Amber.Let’s go through this together with Leya alright?” Steven softly said.Amber nodded and slowly moved away from Steven.She was too upset to even feel embarrass for hugging him.Infact she felt better and relieved hearing what Steven had said.They made their way to the ward but was stop by Dr. Choi who had  just came out from the room Leya was in.”Ms.Amber,erm.. Ms.Leya is still asleep.She had just taken her medication.Please follow me to the front desk.I need to talk to you.” Dr.Choi led both Amber and Steven to the nurse counter at the entrance of the ward. “Is there anything wrong with Leya doctor?” Amber asked looking worried. “Oh..no nothing wrong with Ms.Leya.Pertaining to what i told you earlier,I’m allowing Ms.Leya to be discharged tomorrow.The nurses will help you with the billing and medications.I hope you would give Ms.Leya your support and please take good care of her.” Dr.Choi shook hands with both Amber and Steven and left.

  “Do you wanna go get something to eat?” Steven asked and pointed to their usual restaurant as Amber made a turn to the street leading up to the Han River. “Oh yeah sure,i haven’t had anything since morning.Right let’s just pull up over here then.” Amber said as she parked her car in front of the restaurant. “Amber so what time do you think i should call the courier men to come and collect Leya’s painting tomorrow?” Steven asked as he took a bite off from his sandwich.”Oh yes,i almost forgot about that.Thanks for reminding me.” Amber said as she took a sip of her soda. “Well if we arrange for them to come..say... like after lunch around 2pm will that be ok?Because we need to settle Leya’s discharged first.” Amber said as she jot down the timing in her organizer. “Shouldn’t be problem i guess.I’ll call them first thing in the morning before we go to the hospital” Steven replied with a thumbs up.Amber nodded and finish the last few bites off her hamburger.

~Amber’s POV~

  As she entered Leya’s room,Amber couldn’t help but felt so empty and lonely.She sat herself down on Leya’s bed.Hugging her pillow and taking in her scent. “I hope you are prepared about whatever the outcome will be.I’m really sorry Ms.Amber.” Dr.Choi’s words resounded in her head as she closed her eyes and laid on the bed. “I was never prepared and i don’t want to prepare myself of losing you Leya.” Amber said to herself as a tear escape her eyes.She fell asleep on Leya’s bed that night.

~End of POV~

  “Ready to go home babe?” Amber said as she helped to pack my belongings in to my bag. “Amber can you help me plugged out the charging port from my  phone?” i said as i pointed to the outlet at the side of the bed. Amber gave me a peculiar look as she wondered who does the charger belongs to. “Oh it belongs to one of the nurses.I borrowed it from her yesterday.She told me to return it to her at the front desk before leaving.” i said sensing Amber’s curiosity.She nodded her head in understanding.

  Just as soon as i got into the car.I switched my phone on as i haven’t been switching it on while it was charging.I had 3 missed call and 3 voice messages all of which were sent to me by Dae Joon.I popped my earpiece on and listen to every single voice messages.

Voice message 1: “Good morning love.I’ll be leaving in half an hour time.I haven’t yet board the airplane but i’m already missing you.I hope you feel the same way too.I love you”

Voice message 2: “I’ve reached Japan.I called you twice but your phone was switched off.I guess you were busy with your Gallery.Suri send her regards to you.I hope you’re taking good care of yourself.Eat well baby.I love you”

Voice message 3: “Hey love i tried calling you again but your phone was still switched off .Anyway it has been busy here in Japan and the wedding preparation is going on pretty well.Looking at Suri in her wedding dress makes me think about you.I was imagining that it was or wedding and you as my bride walking down the aisle in your pretty wedding dress and your most beautiful smile.Yes..your smile.My miracle.I guess i should start calling you my wife.Haha..nae aleumdaun anae (my beautiful wife).Saranghae”

  Without me realizing i was already crying as i removed the earpiece.Hearing him calling me his beautiful wife in the last voice message makes me missed him so badly.How i longed to be in his arms again and hear those exact same words being said directly to me.I’m his beautiful wife.But those things are far from cry as i know that i won’t be seeing him again.But i was determined to make his miracle came true.At least i get to leave him a part of me. “Amber can we go to the Gallery?” i asked abruptly making both Amber and Steven exchange curious looks. “Waeyo?Is there still things that you wanna add to the painting.Coz i think it already look complete” Amber said as she turn and took a different route obliging to my request. “Well i just wanna have one final look at it before it got sent for the competition” i said as i stared out the window taking in the view of the streets,the people and everything that pass by me for the last time.As if understanding my intentions,Amber purposefully made our journey to the Gallery a little longer than usual as she drove pass the usual restaurant where the three of us would hang out and have most of our lunch and dinner together .She also went pass the cafe where i would always get coffee for her and Steven before we start our work.Of course not forgetting my first breakfast meetup with Dae Joon. She made another turn and we finally arrived at the Gallery.Steven quickly got out of the car and open the door for me as he help me out.Amber helped to carry my bag as she hurried off to open the Gallery door.The painting perched on the stand just next to the coffee table right at the far corner of the Gallery where we usually had our small discussions. “It’s ok Steven i can handle it from here” I told Steven as he nodded and carefully let go off my hand making sure i didn’t lose my balance. “I’ll be at my desk if you need anything ok Leya” he smiled and hurried off to his desk as he made the arrangements again with the courier men.Amber came over to help me as i sat on the high chair the one i would normally sit on when working on my art work.”This drawing is beautiful Leya.But the words written on them...they’re...” Amber paused folding her arms as she narrowed her eyes carefully observing and reading the words softly to herself. “Amber,he once told me that if he was given a chance to see again,he wants to see my smile.And that’s exactly what i’ll do.” I said as i went nearer to the painting and closed my eyes as my fingers run carefully through every nooks and cranny of the handkerchief just like how Dae Joon did on that previous night.As if knowing exactly what i was intending to Amber reached her hand out as she rested it on my shoulder giving it a gentle squeezed. “You sure about that Leya?” Amber asked with teary eyes. I nodded as i patted her hand that was still on my shoulder. “Leya,the courier men are here for the painting.” Steven informed me as he led the two men in to the Gallery. I smiled to the men as they hurriedly and carefully took down the painting from the stand and wrapped it up in a cling wrap. They then proceeded to place it in a big box and one of the men pushed it off on a trolley and got it to the van while the other was seen handling some documents to Steven for him to signed them.”That would be all.Thank you” the courier man said as he left the Gallery.With the painting gone,i requested Amber that i would like to drop by Dae Joon’s house to meet Jeong Ho as i needed to tell him something important. Amber obliged obediently and both of us left the Gallery early leaving Steven who have agreed to stay behind and closed the Gallery for us. 

  “Oh Ms.Leya.What brought you here?Please come in” Jeong Ho led both me and Amber through the hallway and invited us to sit at the guest area. The maid served us with some tea and biscuits. “Please help yourself”Jeong Ho gestured to both of us as he poured us some tea into some elegant chinawear. “Thank you” i said as i took a sip of the tea. “You do know that Master Kang is away in Japan for the wedding and competition right?” he continued as he carefully placed down the tea pot looking rather curious. “ Yes Jeong Ho i’m aware of that.I’m not here to meet Dae Joon.I’m here to see you” i said as i glanced over to Amber who nodded her head and signalling me to continue telling him what i had intended to. “I see...so what is it about Ms.Leya?” Jeong Ho furrowed his eyebrows as he inched a little,looking at me intently. I cleared my throat and  went on to tell him about my conditions and told him about the conversation i had with Dae Joon.He was listening so tentatively to me and nodding his head.Like a father listening to his daughter speak.Now i understand why Dae Joon respect this man so much.He pursed his lips before speaking again.“So Master Kang doesn’t know about your illness?” he asked as he clasped his hands. I shook my head as i look away from him. “So what can i do for you now Ms.Leya?” he asked as he took a sip from his cup. “Jeong Ho i hope you would do this one thing for me...” i pause as i look at Amber who signal me to continue speaking again. “When i’m gone,i want you to help me to give your consent and let Dae Joon have my vision.” i said as tears filled my eyes.Jeong Ho was silent.He got up and walk over to the oversized window looking out on to the front yard. He had his hands over his back as he look out the window. “Are you really sure about this Ms.Leya?” he turned with his eyebrows arched as he look at Amber and back at me. “I am very sure about it Jeong Ho.Amber will act on my behalf.The only thing i need from you is your consent.And one very important thing ...” i swallowed hard before continuing. “Please keep it from Dae Joon’s knowing.I don’t want him to know about my illness neither about this request that i’m asking from you.Will you do it  for me Jeong Ho?” i looked at him with a pleading look as i stood closer to him. Jeong Ho took my hands and clasped it in his. He nodded and tears rolled down his cheeks. “Thank you Ms.Leya.I will help you.This will be a miracle for Master.Infact you are his miracle Ms.Leya” Jeong Ho said in between sobs and i could see that he was overwhelmed by my request. “Take care of Dae Joon for me.Thank you Jeong Ho” i couldn’t contained the emotions in me as i hugged Jeong Ho tight.He patted my back to console me.Whatever happens after this i owe this man my gratitude.He may be an uncle to Dae Joon but he is like a father to me.For he has solemn himself to keep a secret so discreetly from his own Master.

Chapter 12: The pretend photoshoot

~This chapter will be told from Amber’s point of view~

  It has been a rough week.Leya’s condition is deteriorating. There were nights where she was insomniac from the constant toilet trips that she had to make.Throwing up whatever she has consumed.It was as if her body forbid her from taking any food. It just hurts me to see her in such a state. But i had to be strong for her. She needed that.That’s the only thing that will keep her going.I’ve decided to closed the Gallery for the mean time as i pay my full concentration on taking care of Leya.There were few occasions where Leya got so mad and frustrated with her condition.She felt helpless and refused to eat or even get out of bed.

  It was a Sunday and i was woken up by a strong scent of flowery perfume. “Leya,what are you up to?” i asked curiously as i rubbed my eyes. “ I’m getting ready to be a bride.” she chirped as she powdered on some blush on her cheeks. Leya was already dressed up and doing her makeup as she sat  infront of the dressing mirror. “What? I don’t understand Leya” i sat myself on the edge of the bed watching her as she  put some finishing touches on her face.She was all dressed in her red dress again.The one she had worn on the night she went for a dinner date with Dae Joon. She had her hair in a half up do. Her make up seemed to be a little dramatic but still doesn’t masked the natural beauty that she already has. Realizing that i was staring at her she turned to face me. “Amber, Dae Joon had called me his beautiful wife in his last voice message.I wanna make that possible. Will you do me a favor?” she asked with a hopeful look on her face. “What is it Leya?” i asked as i moved closer to her. “I want you to help take photos of me as if you’re taking a wedding photoshoot. I want Dae Joon to have something for him to look at when he return from Japan.I don’t know if i will get to see him in time.Please say you will do it for me Amber” Leya pleads as a tear escaped her eye. “Leya...i will do it.Anything for as long as i too can see you smile again” i said in between sobbing as i wiped the tears away from her cheeks. “Now don’t cry. A bride should be happy on her beautiful day right.Don’t ruin your makeup.You look beautiful Leya” i said as i help her up.

  “Slowly my lady” Steven said teasing Leya who looked so much like a bride with a bouquet of roses in her hands.He help her get off from the car and slowly walk her to the bench overlooking the Han River. That bench has told alot of stories.From her first heart to heart session with Dae Joon to the meetup she had with Suri when she got to know about the real relationship between Suri and Dae Joon. I quickly get my cameras and all the necessary equipments for the photoshoot.Just like Leya,i too felt a sense of enthusiasm to make this photoshoot a memorable one.As i unpacked the stuffs from my car boot i couldn’t help but felt my heart weep and aches as i know that sooner or later this moment of me,Steven and Leya being together sharing our good times will all be a memory. All the laughter,the jokes,the teasing and heart to heart talks will all be for keep sake. “Amber are you ready?” Steven question suddenly snapped me out from my drifted thoughts. “Oh yeah.Let’s do this” i said as Steven help me with the equipments. Leya was already seated at the bench looking out to the river in front of her. Lost in her own reverie, i took a chance to capture that view of her. Hearing the clicking of my camera,Leya turned and gave me that surprised but yet subtle look and i didn’t stop my focus on her. I took a few more shots of her and then Steven suggested that we took some shots of Leya walking and few others of her doing some poses at different spots. Despite her weak state Leya smiled her way throughout the whole photoshoot session.There were moments where she looked worn out but refused to stop.I must admit that it does cringed me a little but her determination to make this photoshoot special gives me the same amount of motivation to continue and move forward with it. I peered through the camera hole and hesitate.I stopped and called out to Leya who had her back facing me as she lean herself forward against the metal railings. “Leya turn around”.Leya turned her head around as the wind blew passed her.Blowing some strands of hair across her face.I knew at that moment that i had to take that shot of her.She was smiling with her eyes glistening.That shot i admit had to be the epitome of the whole photoshoot for that day. “Right one,two...” *Click*.I captured it and just as i left my focus from the camera hole.... “LEYA!!!” i was already running with Steven closed behind me.I caught her head on my lap saving it from hitting the hard concrete ground.She was breathless and her nose was bleeding. “Am...Am..Amber” she stammered as she held out her hand and i grab it and clutch it closed to my chest.I was crying uncontrollably.Steven was kneeling down at Leya’s feet.He too was sobbing profusely. “Leya don’t..don’t talk anymore” i told her as i felt her grip getting weaker. “Am..Amber.Remember what we told Jeong Ho?Pl..Please..fulfill it for..for...me..” she could barely keep the words together and her grip went limp.Her eyes shut.I knew at that moment Leya had left us.My bestfriend is gone. I clutched her body close to me as i cried what seemed like the longest cry that i had ever have.

Chapter 13: Her gift.His miracle

~This chapter will be narrated~

    “The number you have just dialed is not available.” the operator spoke.Dae Joon was staring through the glass panel of the closed Gallery. “CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE” a piece of notice was pasted on the gate. “Where are you Leya?!” Dae Joon asked himself softly.He had been trying to call Leya since his return from Japan.It has been 3 months already.There were so many things he wanted to tell her.So many great news he wanted to share with her.About his team winning the music competition to the success of his eye operation that made him able to see the world again.The only problem was that he still doesn’t know who the donor was.But now the more bigger problem he has was the fact that Leya has not been responding to his calls and her line seemed to have been terminated.He regretted for not asking Amber or Steven for their contacts and now he has no one else to seek with regards to Leya. “Master its about to rain soon.I think we should go” Jeong Ho suggested as he looked up to the grey sky above.

  “Jeong Ho did Amber or Steven called you or told you anything about Leya?Do you know where she is now?” Dae Joon asked darting Jeong Ho a serious look through the rear view mirror. “ I’m..I’m sorry Master.I don’t know where she is now.” Jeong Ho said trying to focus on the road while he pulled in the car in front of the house and avoiding Dae Joon’s look.Dae Joon got out of the car immediately and went straight into his house.He seemed frustrated as he marched down the hallway.In fact every single one in the house were questioned by him.From the maids to the garderner.No one was an exception to his interrogation. Dissatisfied with all their absent minded response,Dae Joon called all of his helpers including Jeong Ho to his office room.

  Dae Joon was already seated in his leather reclined office chair with both his feet stretched out and rested on the table as he leaned in to the chair and folded his arm. His eyebrows furrowed as he surveyed each and everyone of his helpers who were now standing in a row before him like a squad of army reporting for duty. “Now i’m gonna ask this once again and i need answers. Is there anyone in this room that knows where Leya is?” he sounded stern. The helpers stood silent and only exchanging glances to one another shrugging and shaking their head. Jeong Ho felt a pinched of guilt in him as he pretended to play along with the rest of the helpers who were genuinely oblivious of Leya’s whereabouts except for him.He was the only person who had met Leya and Amber before Dae Joon’s return. He was the only person who kept the secret he had promised Leya. Because of that promise he had no choice but to keep mum to Dae Joon’s question. Failed to get an answer from any of them,made Dae Joon even more furious. He rose from his chair and slammed his fist hard onto the table making everyone gasped in fear. “How could anyone not know where she is?!” he demanded as he gritted his teeth and his eyebrows knitted in frustration. “We are really sorry Master but we really don’t know where Ms.Leya is.Please forgive us Master.Please.” the gardener pleaded. “All of you out now.Out!!” Dae Joon roared and all of his helper including Jeong Ho quickly scampered away from the room. Jeong Ho turned to look at Dae Joon.His Master seemed really exasperated as he slumped himself back into the chair,tilting his head back and shutting his eyes.As Jeong Ho slowly closed the door behind him he couldn’t help but feel terrible for being secretive about Leya’s whereabouts. 

  As soon as Jeong Ho walk through the dining room the maids were seen exchanging looks among them and whispering things about the night Leya and Amber came to see him as they busily prepares dinner for Dae Joon. “Jeong Ho aren’t you going to tell Master the truth?Isn’t it about time he knows what happened to Ms.Leya” one of the eldest maids asked looking really concerned and hopeful. Jeong Ho pressed his lips. His eyebrows knitted. He kept silent.In fact it was the only thought that had him contemplating so desperately the pass few days. He really don't know how he should be telling his Master about the grieve news of Leya’s passing and the promise he had solemn to keep about Leya’s gift to Dae Joon.Her vision. “What happened to Leya?!” Dae Joon was already standing at the doorway folding his arm as he dart them with a stern look. All the maids including Jeong Ho was caught off guard by Dae Joon’s sudden appearance. They know for sure that they are in deep trouble now for spilling the beans. All of them were silent as they kept exchanging looks with each other. “The rest of you leave except for Jeong Ho” Dae Joon directed the maids as they hurriedly left the two of them. “So...are you keeping something from me Jeong Ho?” Dae Joon asked as he settled himself down at the dining table. He darted a look at Jeong Ho as he took a sip from the cup. Still not leaving his gaze he carefully placed the cup back on its saucer as he clasped his hand together and resting them under his chin. Jeong Ho has never seen his Master being this serious before.The intense look in his eyes is enough to make him shudder in guilt. Not that he don’t want to tell him but he just doesn’t know how to appropriately convey the news to him. Jeong Ho just couldn’t bring himself to face the grave disappointment that his Master will get when he finds out that the love of his life has already passed on. He could feel the calm yet intense look turning into frustration as he kept silent and watched Dae Joon slowly rose from the chair and walking towards the window with hands on his back. Jeong Ho felt his stomach twisted in anxiety and beads of sweat was already forming on his forehead. “ Are you just gonna stay silent Jeong Ho?” Dae Joon asked sounding really impatient. Jeong Ho cleared his throat and was ready to speak when one of the maids entered the dining room and informed Dae Joon that someone was expecting him and waiting at the guest room. Dae Joon left the room immediately with Jeong Ho not hesitating to follow him.For a moment Jeong Ho felt relief and saved by that anonymous guest.

  As Dae Joon entered the guest room, a lady was already seated. She was too engrossed browsing through what seemed like a photo album to even took notice of Dae Joon’s presence. “Ehem..” Dae Joon made a random sound to get the lady’s attention. She immediately rose from her seat and bowed to him. Dae Joon replied her with a bow too. “Hello Dae Joon,nice to see you again.I’m Amber Leya’s bestfriend.Remember?” Amber asked  as she reached her hand out for a handshake. Dae Joon eyes suddenly lit in joy and smiled as he returns Amber’s handshake. “Oh yes..of course.Amber great to see you.Please have a seat” Dae Joon gestured to the seat Amber has sat on earlier. “You came alone? Where is Leya? I had been trying to contact her but her number seemed to have been terminated and even the Gallery.Its closed.What happened?” Dae Joon seem eager and did not hesitate to question Amber. The fact that he had been desperately waiting for an explanation about Leya for the past months made him even more impatient. Amber glanced over at Jeong Ho who seemed to be uncomfortable as he took a seat next to Dae Joon. Jeong Ho just shook his head to Amber as he looked away. As if understanding what Jeong Ho was trying to tell, Amber took out the album that she was looking through a while ago and handed it to Dae Joon. “Dae Joon this is for you”. Dae Joon took the album and carefully flip it through. His eyebrows furrowed as he look through the pictures. The album was filled with photos of a lady in a red dress and a bouquet of roses in her hands. She looked happy and her smile instantly draws him in. “She’s beautiful” Dae Joon said spontaneously as his fingers couldn’t stop flipping through the album pages and his eyes never leaving the photos. “Yeah she was” Amber sighed. “She was?What do you mean?” Dae Joon looked up to Amber looking very curious. It was for the first time after what seemed like ages that Amber was able to look at those pair of eyes again.Those eyes that she used to stare at. Those pair that used to weep and cry on her shoulders.Those eyes that used to glisten with ingenuity. Without her realizing,a tear escaped her eye. She sniffed and cleared her throat. “Dae Joon she was the most beautiful person i’ve ever known. She taught me what it means to be selfless.What it means to give without conditions or expect something in return...” Amber paused as she flipped through to the last photo. “Dae Joon this is Leya” Amber showed him the photo where she had her final shot of Leya before she collapsed and left her for good. “This is her.My Leya? But why just photos?Where is my real Leya?” Dae Joon asked still sounding dissatisfied. “Master,please forgive me from keeping it from you.But Ms.Leya has left us.She passed away 3 months ago a day before you came back from Japan.” Jeong Ho finally spoke. “ Wh..what?But why didn’t anyone tell me about it?What happened to her? Amber tell me!” Dae Joon shook Amber’s hands as tears rolled down his cheeks. Amber must admit that she misses those tears and the glistened in those eyes but she has to come to her senses that they’re not Leya’s eyes anymore they belong to Dae Joon now. Amber heaved a heavy sigh as she told Dae Joon everything about Leya’s cancer and how it has caught up with her through time and eventually she succumbed to her illness. All the things that Amber said was too much for him to take.Dae Joon excused himself and marched off leaving Amber and Jeong Ho in bewilderment. "I’m very sorry Ms.Amber.Master Kang must have been shocked and too upset with the news.I hope you understand” Jeong Ho apologized to Amber for Dae Joon’s sudden actions. “It’s alright Jeong Ho.I understand.I would have felt the same if i was in his position.Its not easy to lose that special someone especially the one whom he has fallen in love with.” Amber sighed. She thanked Jeong Ho and left.

  “Dae Joon..Dae Joon...” she called out to him as she wade her way through the tall dandelions grass. “Wait...!!” Dae Joon called out to her but she was too far ahead of him. The grasses are making it even harder for him to keep up.He had to wade his way like her to get him through. “Dae Joon...Dae Joon..” she giggled as she called out to him again but only this time her voice seemed to be fading away.Dae Joon combed the last curtain of grasses as the wind blew some of the dandelions and they disperse through the air creating a cloud of dandelions shower in front of him. When the view infront of him finally cleared away,Dae Joon found himself standing by the side of a long road.There standing on the other side of the road was the lady he was catching up with earlier.She was holding out her hands.Her eyes were blindfolded but she was smiling.Dae Joon inched forward as he slowly made his way across the long road but just when he reached the middle of the road,the lady turned around and ran again through the tall grasses and disappeared from his sight. “Wait!!”....

  Dae Joon woke up from his sleep.Beads of perspiration forms on his forehead. He was panting. He got up from the bed and went straight to the toilet to wash his face. "Who was she?”  he softly asked himself as he looked in the mirror. He noticed how his eyes seemed really different from how he used to see it before he lost his vision. It seemed more calm and alluring.Not as strong and brooding as how he had remembered it. “Well of course.Someone gave them to me.Tsk.” he thought to himself with a smirk. Dae Joon wiped his face and proceeded to the study desk. He picked up the album Amber gave to him. A faint smile appeared on his lips. He flipped through every pages of the album and admired every single photo of Leya. He rubbed his thumbs across one of Leya’s photo as he weep soulfully. “You were gone too soon Leya.I miss you.” he clutched the album close to his chest as he shed more tears. He sank back into his bed still holding on to the album resting it on his chest as he falls asleep.

  “Amber wait!” Dae Joon called out to her as Amber was fiddling with the keys trying to open the Gallery’s gate. “ Hey Dae Joon what brings you here so early today?” Amber asked as she invited him in to the Gallery. “Please take a seat” Amber gestured to him to the chair in front of her working desk. “Amber i’m really sorry about yesterday.I shouldn’t have just walked away.I was too emotional with that shocking news.” Dae Joon sounded apologetic. “Its ok Dae Joon i understand.I’m sorry too for keeping it from you that long” Amber smiled. “C’mon there is one more thing i wanna show you” Amber ushered Dae Joon to a painting perched on the stand at the far corner of the Gallery. Amber removed the piece of cloth covering the painting. Dae Joon gasped at the sight of the painting as he moved closer to it. Amber was perplexed for a moment seeing Dae Joon’s reaction towards the painting. Dae Joon reached his hands out to touch the painting as he closed his eyes. “Dae Joon...Dae Joon...Over here..”he heard her giggles again as his fingers brushed against the details of the painting. “You ok Dae Joon?” Amber rested her hand on Dae Joon’s shoulder as she gave it a slight shook. Dae Joon open his eyes immediately. “Its her.Its really her”  Dae Joon said almost whispering. “Who’s her?” Amber asked curiously. “This lady in the painting,she was the exact lady in my dream last night. Her eyes were blindfolded,she was smiling and her hands were reaching out to me as she called out my name” Dae Joon said as he runs his fingers on the blindfold which he vividly remembered. It was his handkerchief one he had given to Leya. “This is my handkerchief.But how come its here now?” he said as he squint his eyes examining the details on the handkerchief. “You dream of this lady last night?Woah..what coincidence.Infact that was miraculous.I mean you haven’t seen this painting but you already had a dream of this lady.” Amber nodded her head feeling amazed. Amber went over to the shelving next to her  working desk as she took a trophy and walked over to Dae Joon who was still looking at the painting. “Dae Joon this painting has won us the first prize in the art competition at Paris back in February.” Amber handed the trophy to Dae Joon. “Woah congratulations” Dae Joon said as he observed the trophy. “Yeah, but unfortunately the person who should be congratulated is not with us when this painting was declared the champion of the competition. If Leya was still around she would be proud of this achievement. Her hard work paid off” Amber sighed. “Leya drew this?” Dae Joon asked. Amber nodded. “Dae Joon there is one more thing that i need to let you know.” Amber went over to her bag and took out a piece of paper.She gave it to Dae Joon as he carefully read it. He gasped and covered his mouth when he read the name of the donor. ‘LEYA JANE ANDERSSEN’. He slowly looked up to Amber who was already tearing. Amber nodded and patted Dae Joon’s shoulder. “These are her eyes.Amber I’m seeing through her eyes” Dae Joon said in between sobbing. He turned back to the painting and rested his hands on the blindfold as he weep uncontrollably. “It all make sense now.She gave her eyes to me so that i can see her smile.The miracle i’ve been longing to witness.It was her.This lady was her.” Dae Joon finally realized how Leya had sacrificed everything for his happiness.He now understand why she had been keeping everything about her illness from him all this while.It was all for him. “Dae Joon as much as how i value this painting but its neither for me to keep nor is it for sale.Its for you Dae Joon.She wants you to have it.” Amber said as she patted his shoulder.

  Three months has passed since the last time Amber and Dae Joon met at the Gallery.The Gallery now runs under the management Steven who had agreed to take responsible of the whole operation on behalf of Amber while she moved back to New York with her parents to help with her father's business.Amber's father has not been feeling well lately and she had no choice but to lend a hand in his car business.Steven is now Amber's new business partner for the Gallery taking over Leya's place.Irene their formal staff had came back to help with the Gallery.She had managed to settled her family issues and Amber had decided to take her back in the Gallery. Dae Joon has come to accept the passing of Leya and continues teaching music to the visually impaired kids. The painting however still perched on the stand in the Gallery.Dae Joon had decided that eventhough it was meant for him but the Gallery is where it should be and he doesn't want to take that precious piece away from its original spot. The Gallery hold so much memories for both Amber and Steven.Memories of them with Leya and its only appropriate that he respect that and let the painting stay.

~Dae Joon POV~

  “Your innocent smile.That gleam in your eyes.Your scent and everything about you still resonates within me.Its like you’re still here with me but just not physically present.I could feel you with the wind as it brushed across my face and left a chilling kiss on my cheeks.I never thought that it would be possible for me to see again.But you gave me that chance and made it possible for me.Its not your smile or my vision but the real miracle for me is you Leya.You are that miracle that i longed to witness.I love you.”

~End of POV~

                                                    THE END