Thanks again for the support enjoy reading

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The cool autumn breeze brushed through the trees, carrying the faint scent of earth and leaves. The familiar skyline of the old high school loomed before them, the building that had once been a backdrop to the ups and downs of Hairi's teenage years. Walking beside Sehun, Hairi couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia crash over her. It was surreal being back here, in the place where everything had started, and yet felt so far removed from the person she had been.

"This place looks the same," Hairi murmured, her gaze drifting over the school grounds. "Like nothing's changed."

Sehun glanced at her, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "But we've changed, haven't we?"

She nodded, her heart swelling as she looked at him. "I never thought I'd be here with you again. After everything..."

Sehun reached out, gently brushing his fingers against hers, and the simple touch sent a jolt of warmth through her. "We're here now, Hairi. That's all that matters."

They walked together through the old school gates, the memories flooding back with each step they took. The walls seemed to hum with the echoes of laughter, whispered secrets, and the weight of past mistakes. Hairi's mind wandered back to the days when everything felt uncertain, when her heart had been full of fear and longing. But now, with Sehun by her side, everything felt different-like the pieces of her life had finally clicked into place.

"Do you remember the time we got in trouble for sneaking into the music room?" Sehun asked with a chuckle, breaking the silence.

Hairi laughed softly. "I remember you getting us caught. You were always so cocky about everything."

Sehun shrugged, the playful glint in his eyes never leaving. "I was confident we wouldn't get caught. But, honestly, I think I just wanted an excuse to spend more time with you."

Hairi's heart skipped a beat, and she shot him a sideways glance. "You always had a way of making everything feel like an adventure."

"And you always had a way of making everything feel like it had a purpose," Sehun replied, his tone suddenly serious.

The shift in his voice made Hairi pause. She turned to face him, her heart suddenly racing. "Sehun..."

He smiled softly, his hand reaching for hers again. "You always had a way of making me see things differently. Even when you were trying to fix things with the time travel, I never saw you as someone who was broken. I saw you as someone who was trying to make things better. Someone who cared."

Hairi's chest tightened, a lump forming in her throat. She had spent so much time running from the past, from the mistakes she had made, from the things she could never change. But now, standing here with Sehun, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she didn't need to change everything. Maybe she could let go of the weight of the past and just live for the present.

"I was scared, you know," Hairi whispered, her voice barely audible. "Scared that I would lose you. That everything I did would mess things up."

Sehun reached up and gently cupped her face in his hands, his touch soft and reassuring. "You didn't mess anything up, Hairi. You were just trying to find your way. And now that we're here, I know we'll be okay."

The sincerity in his voice was all she needed to hear. With a final glance at the school behind them, she stepped closer to him, closing the space between them. Sehun leaned down slightly, his forehead resting against hers.

"Together, right?" Hairi whispered, her breath mingling with his.

Sehun's smile was everything she had ever hoped for. "Always."

--

The bright lights of the carnival gleamed like a galaxy on earth, reflecting in Hairi's wide eyes as she tugged on Sehun's arm. "Come on, slowpoke!" she called, her voice practically drowned out by the lively chatter of the crowd and the upbeat carnival music.

"I'm not slow," Sehun replied, his long legs easily keeping pace. He smirked as he caught up. "You're just overly enthusiastic about losing."

"Losing? Me?" Hairi gasped, her hand flying to her chest in mock offense. "We'll see about that." She spun toward the nearest booth, where colorful balloons awaited the aim of a steady dart. "Let's start here."

Sehun raised an eyebrow, sizing up the game. "Are you sure you can handle the pressure? I mean, I wouldn't want to embarrass you right at the start."

"Ha! Watch and learn, Oh Sehun." Hairi picked up a dart, adjusting her stance dramatically as if she were a professional. She threw the first dart, and it wobbled slightly in the air before landing on the edge of a balloon, making it sway but not pop.

"Impressive," Sehun deadpanned, earning a glare from Hairi.

"Beginner's luck," she said, grabbing another dart. This time, she hit her target dead-center, the balloon bursting with a satisfying pop! Hairi turned to Sehun triumphantly. "Your turn."

Sehun stepped forward, casual confidence oozing from his every move. He picked up a dart, aimed effortlessly, and popped a balloon with his first throw. Hairi narrowed her eyes as he grinned at her.

"Show-off."

"Skill," Sehun corrected.

By the end of the round, they were tied, with five popped balloons each. The booth operator handed them their prizes: a small plush penguin for Hairi and a lion for Sehun.

"Let's just call that a warm-up," Hairi said, clutching her penguin. "The real competition starts now."

They moved from game to game, with Hairi pulling ahead in ring toss but Sehun dominating the basketball shootout. By the time they reached the cotton candy stand, their arms were full of small prizes, and their laughter was endless.

"You have to admit," Hairi said, tearing off a piece of pink cotton candy and popping it into her mouth, "I'm better at the water gun race."

"You cheated," Sehun argued, stealing a bit of her cotton candy.

"Did not!"

"You distracted me by pointing out a fake 'celebrity lookalike' in the crowd," he said with a pout, the sugary fluff melting on his tongue.

Hairi shrugged innocently. "All's fair in love and carnival games."

Sehun gave her a mock glare but couldn't help the chuckle that escaped. "You're impossible."

"And you love it."

They finally approached the Ferris wheel, its bright lights spinning slowly against the darkening sky. Hairi grabbed Sehun's hand and pulled him toward the line. "Come on! We have to do this before we leave."

As they climbed into the small, open-air gondola, Hairi's excitement buzzed like electricity in the air. The wheel began its gentle ascent, and soon, the bustling noise of the carnival grew faint beneath them. The view was breathtaking-twinkling lights spread out like a blanket of stars below.

Sehun glanced at Hairi, who was leaning forward slightly, her eyes alight with wonder. "Pretty amazing, huh?" he said softly.

She turned to him, her face glowing from the carnival lights. "Yeah. It's beautiful."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, simply taking in the view. Then, Sehun cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "You know, I wasn't lying earlier."

Hairi tilted her head. "About what?"

"About enjoying spending time with you," he admitted, his gaze dropping to his hands for a moment before meeting hers again. "It's... easy, being with you. Fun."

Hairi blinked, caught off guard by the sudden sincerity in his tone. She let out a nervous laugh, trying to lighten the mood. "You're just saying that because I'm the reigning carnival champion."

Sehun smiled, but his gaze remained steady. "I'm serious, Hairi."

Her teasing grin faltered, replaced by a soft, genuine smile. "I... I feel the same," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As the Ferris wheel reached its peak, the city lights spread out below them like a sea of fireflies. Sehun hesitated for a moment before reaching out and gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind Hairi's ear.

"You've got cotton candy on your face," he said, breaking the tension.

"What?" Hairi gasped, frantically wiping at her cheeks.

"Gotcha," Sehun said with a mischievous grin.

Hairi glared at him but couldn't hold back her laughter. "You're the worst!"

"I try," he replied, his grin softening into something more tender as the Ferris wheel began its descent.

When they stepped off the ride, the world seemed just a little brighter, the air a little warmer. Sehun slung an arm around Hairi's shoulders, pulling her close as they walked.

"You know," he said, "we still have to settle who the real champion is."

Hairi smirked, leaning into him. "Challenge accepted."

And as the carnival lights twinkled above them, their laughter blended seamlessly with the sounds of the night, a perfect harmony of two people enjoying every moment they shared.

---

The time travel had ended, but the journey that had brought Hairi to this moment was far from forgotten. That was what she was hoping for. She hasn't seen the unknown message again. Maybe the universe just wanted me to have a second chance, or maybe it was a miracle from the heavens. She was thankful for this.

As she sat in the café with Sehun, Minji, and Dongwoo, she realized how much her life had changed. Her connection with Sehun had deepened, and the uncertainty that had clouded her mind had finally cleared. There were no more jumps, no more running from the past, and no more fear of what might happen.

She had found peace in the present, in the moments that they had shared together. It wasn't perfect, but it was real-and that was enough.

Sehun sat beside her, his hand resting comfortably on the table, a soft smile on his face as he listened to Minji and Dongwoo discuss something. Hairi had to smile at the sight. After everything that had happened, the bond they shared was finally beginning to feel like something unshakeable.

"So," Dongwoo said, leaning forward and giving Sehun an expectant look, "this is the famous Sehun, huh?"

Sehun looked up, a small smirk on his face. "Famous? I don't know about that."

Minji chuckled beside him, nudging Dongwoo. "Don't mind him. He's just being humble."

Hairi watched them, the easy camaraderie between Minji and Dongwoo impossible to miss. They had spent the past few days together, and it was clear to Hairi that something was shifting between them. There was a tension in the air whenever the two of them were in the same room, a quiet understanding that was impossible to ignore.

"Maybe Sehun is right," Dongwoo said with a teasing grin. "You two are pretty good together. I can't believe I'm just now meeting you."

Sehun raised an eyebrow. "You've known Hairi for how long now, and you're just meeting me?"

Dongwoo shrugged, his tone light and playful. "Better late than never."

Hairi watched as Sehun and Dongwoo exchanged a look, a smile tugging at both of their lips. It was hard to believe how much had changed since those early days of uncertainty. They had both been so lost, so caught up in the chaos of time travel, but now, sitting here with friends, everything felt so much simpler.

"Sehun," Hairi began, turning to him with a soft smile. "Do you ever wonder what would have happened if none of this had happened? If I hadn't traveled through time?"

Sehun met her gaze, his eyes warm and steady. "I don't know. But I don't think I'd change a thing. We're here now, right? And that's all that matters."

Her heart fluttered as he squeezed her hand, and she realized that he was right. The past couldn't be undone, but that didn't mean it had to define them. They had each other now, in this moment, and that was all that really mattered.

Minji and Dongwoo exchanged a quiet smile across the table, their chemistry undeniable. It seemed that they had found something in each other as well-something that, like Hairi and Sehun's bond, couldn't be erased by time or distance.

"Hairi," Minji said softly, turning to her with a knowing smile, "I think you've got it figured out now."

Hairi chuckled, leaning back in her chair. "I think I do. No more running from the past. I'm living for the now."

Sehun smiled at her, his expression filled with pride. "I like the sound of that."

And as Hairi looked around the table, at the people who had been there for her through it all-Sehun, Minji, Dongwoo-she realized something important. No matter where the future took them, they had each other. And that was all she ever needed.

With a laugh, Hairi stood up, raising her glass in a toast to the present, to the friends she had made, and to the love she had found. "Here's to living for now."

Sehun stood beside her, his hand brushing hers as he raised his glass as well. "To now."

And as their glasses clinked together, Hairi knew in her heart that no matter what the future held, she had finally found peace. The time travel was over. The past was behind her. And for the first time, she was living for the now.

And that was more than enough.

__

The autumn breeze had turned colder, carrying with it a soft drizzle that quickly escalated into a steady downpour. Hairi and Sehun hurried along the empty street, laughing as they tried to shield themselves from the rain.

"This was not in the weather forecast," Hairi exclaimed, her hair already beginning to cling to her face.

Sehun chuckled, holding up the small umbrella he had pulled from his bag. It wasn't large enough to cover them both entirely, so they had to huddle close. "Well, maybe it's the universe's way of setting the mood," he teased, his voice warm despite the chill in the air.

Hairi rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips curled into a smile. "Right. A romantic comedy scene just for us."

"Exactly." Sehun tilted the umbrella slightly so it covered more of her side, earning a playful glare.

"You're getting wet," she scolded, trying to adjust the umbrella.

"And you're not supposed to get sick," he countered, his tone gentle. Their eyes met briefly, and despite the cold rain soaking their clothes, Hairi felt a warmth spread through her chest.

They reached her apartment building just as the rain intensified, the droplets hammering against the pavement. Hairi fumbled for her keys, her fingers trembling slightly from the chill.

"Come inside," she said impulsively, looking up at Sehun. "You'll catch a cold if you go home like this."

Sehun hesitated for a moment, but her concerned expression left no room for argument. "Alright," he said softly, following her up the stairs.

Inside, the warmth of the apartment enveloped them. Hairi handed Sehun a towel, which he gratefully accepted, running it through his damp hair.

"I'll make us something warm to drink," she said, disappearing into the kitchen.

Sehun took a moment to look around her apartment. It was cozy, filled with little personal touches-a stack of books on the coffee table, photos on the wall, and a soft throw blanket draped over the couch. He smiled to himself, feeling a sense of comfort in the space.

Hairi returned with two mugs of steaming hot chocolate, her hair now tied up in a messy bun. "Here," she said, handing him a mug before sitting beside him on the couch.

"Thanks," Sehun said, taking a sip. The warmth spread through him instantly, and he let out a content sigh. "You're a lifesaver."

Hairi laughed softly, pulling the blanket over her lap. "You're being dramatic."

"No, seriously," he insisted, his gaze locking with hers. "You always know how to make things better."

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked down at her mug. "It's nothing special."

"It is to me," Sehun said, his voice quiet but firm.

The room fell silent, save for the rhythmic tapping of rain against the windows. Hairi glanced at Sehun, her heart racing as she caught the soft intensity in his eyes.

"Hairi," he began, setting his mug down on the table. His voice was low, almost hesitant, but there was an unmistakable sincerity in it. He leaned closer, his hand brushing against hers, sending a spark up her arm.

"You mean a lot to me," he continued, his gaze locking onto hers. "I don't think I've ever felt this way before-like everything else disappears when I'm with you."

Hairi's breath hitched, her mind spinning. She felt her heart hammering in her chest, each beat echoing his words. The raw vulnerability in his voice unraveled something deep within her.

"You mean a lot to me too," she whispered, the words tumbling out before she could stop them.

Sehun's lips parted slightly as his eyes softened, a flicker of relief crossing his face. Slowly, he reached out, his fingertips grazing her cheek. The touch was feather-light, yet it sent a shiver down her spine.

"Hairi," he murmured, his voice almost breaking. His thumb traced along her jawline, lingering as if memorizing the curve of her face. "I've wanted to tell you this for so long."

Before she could respond, he leaned in, his movements slow but deliberate, giving her every chance to pull away. But she didn't.

When his lips met hers, it was anything but hesitant. The kiss was deep, passionate, and unyielding, igniting a fire that burned through the lingering chill of the rain-soaked evening. Hairi felt herself melt into him, her hands instinctively gripping his shirt as if anchoring herself to the moment.

Sehun's hand slipped into her hair, tilting her head slightly to deepen the kiss. His other arm encircled her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. Hairi's pulse thundered in her ears, her senses overwhelmed by the feel of him, the faint scent of rain and warmth that clung to his clothes.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. Hairi's fingers remained curled in the fabric of his shirt, and Sehun's hand stayed at her waist, reluctant to let her go.

Her eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze. His expression was intense, his dark eyes searching hers for any sign of doubt.

"I've wanted to do that for so long," he admitted, his voice rough with emotion.

Hairi let out a shaky laugh, her cheeks flushed. "If I'd known, maybe I wouldn't have waited so long to invite you in."

Sehun grinned, his lips brushing hers again in a brief, teasing kiss. "Then I guess the rain was on our side."

Hairi smiled, leaning her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. For the first time in what felt like forever, she let herself get lost in the moment, no second-guessing, no walls-just them.

The rain continued to pour outside, but neither of them seemed to notice anymore.