~What was your favorite moment of this book? Do mention if there is a specific part or scene you enjoyed!

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For the first time in many days, Mirae woke up with a wide smile on her face. Maybe it was because she wasn't woken up by her annoying alarm clock and that ear-screeching ringing it made. The best part of it all was waking up to Chanyeol's face. Though she couldn't understand how it got there.

As far as her memory allowed her to remember, the previous night he had returned to his friends' apartment after kissing her good night. How he entered her room and Yumi's place was a mystery but it was a blessing so she didn't think much. It was a regular occurrence too. Mirae groaned in protest as Chanyeol woke her up at 7 on dot but couldn't argue as she asked for it.

"Get that ass up right now, Kang Mirae!" Chanyeol pulled away her warm covers.

"Give that back! I'm going to kill you!"

"Says the just lawyer." He muttered in his mouth. "I swear I'm going to pour something very freezing on you." He tugged on her night dress. "Yah!"

As she trudged slowly to the bathroom, Chanyeol left to get ready for his big day. Fortunately she had showered last night so all Mirae had to do was brush her teeth and wash her face. As she changed into her work clothes, she checked her phone for any notification from Sehun on his date report but it was blank. She frowned, he always updated her right away.

Unless it was a night spent really well, she thought with a smile.

She made her way to the kitchen where she heard Chanyeol moving around. Once she was in the vicinity, he abandoned what he was doing and came to greet her.

Cupping her cheek and pulling her towards him, Chanyeol slanted his lips over Mirae's. The kiss was short and sweet. "Are we less grumpy now?" He joked, referring to his attempt at waking her up earlier and almost getting cussed at.

"Mmm, kiss me like that again and maybe," she said closing her eyes expectantly. With a chuckle, Chanyeol pressed his lips to hers again, this time a bit longer and with a bit more passionate movement. Mirae held on to Chanyeol's sides by his shirt and stood on her tip toes to deepen the kiss. Her grip on his shirt tightened as their mouths danced together. But Chanyeol pulled away before tongues got involved.

"Come on, I'll make you breakfast." He said, heading back to the counter and continued cracking eggs for the omelet. "I think I should go overseas more often. You get so clingy."

She laughed, walking behind him and peered over his shoulder. "What can I help you with?" Mirae asked, resting her chin on Chanyeol's shoulder and wrapping her arms around his torso. Once he's done with the eggs, he turned around, "You can just sit right there and look pretty." He said, easily hoisting her so she can sit next to him while he works.

"I can do that!" Mirae nodded her head enthusiastically, making him laugh.

Mirae sat silently, watching Chanyeol do his magic. A small smile threatened to appear on her lips. It's times like these that she can't believe how lucky she is. Even though Chanyeol would definitely argue, she still believed that she didn't deserve him. When they started going out in high school, things were different. They fought at every single thing, they argued and argued and argued. It felt that there was no compatibility between them at all. They would break up frequently and get back together after a month. There was this attraction that kept pulling them back to each other all the time but it was their huge ego that fired up the arguments. 

As time passed, things got better. They entered college with tremendous promises of staying in touch and keeping up the relationship. It even progressed to the point they officially introduced each other to their parents and things got intimate between them.

The breaking point was somewhere around the third year of university when both, Chanyeol and Mirae were too exhausted to put up with each other. He had started harboring feelings for another girl from college, while Mirae got too busy in her academics to pay him any attention. They would bicker till the end of night whenever they met which happened rarely. So Chanyeol ended things one night with her once and for all, in hopes for a better ending.

The next few months passed in peace until the old flame began to kick up again sending them up in getting drunk in regret. Mirae remembered how she would break down at nights, desperately in need of his embrace. Little did she know, he was aching to see her too. All those emotions piled up and he returned to her door after her graduation, which happened almost a year ago from now. That's how they got back together after an year of break. Since then, Chanyeol and Mirae were inseparable, having known the effect each had on the other.

Mirae's heart constricted in joy as she took in the barrage of emotions that threaten to overwhelm her. She felt a hand take hold of her wrist. With a bit of surprise, she made eye contact with Chanyeol. "Have you thought what you want from Japan?" He chided.

Mirae chuckled. "No, I just want you back early."

He smiled. "Yes, what else?"

When she just shrugged, he exclaimed. "Come on, Baekhyun handed me a huge list of thing he wants me to buy for him ranging from pajamas to chocolates. "Don't you need anything?" He urged. "How about your wardrobe, doesn't that need a touch up?"

She rolled her eyes, realizing that he was once again pointing her poor fashion sense. Finally giving in, she muttered, "You can bring any clothes you think I'll look well in."

"I think you look quite well in nothing at all too."

She gasped and picked up the spatula lying beside her, hitting him on the head with it but he just laughed heartily in response. Mirae's cheeks were getting redder and she slipped down to the floor. She trotted to her friend's room, surprised to find it empty. "Where's Yumi?"

Chanyeol answered, "I think she left earlier today. She was the one who let me in here."

Mirae nodded. The aroma of the freshly cooked omelet and coffee filled her nose. They sat down for breakfast. "Who's driving you to the airport?" 

He munched on the crunchy bread. "Baekhyun offered but it was a straight no. I don't trust him driving around without a license. I'll take the cab."

She rolled her eyes. "I told you I can drive you. I have a brand new license!"

"I know but you'll be late for work and it's a new job."

"So what?"

Chanyeol reasoned. "You shouldn't be taking risks."

Mirae shook her head. She tried to look disapproving but the pretense didn't hold up for long. After breakfast came the heavy turn of saying good bye. She tried not to be emotional, at least not in front of him because he would be guilty and that was the last thing she wanted to make him feel. Chanyeol pressed a hard kiss on her forehead and bumped their noses as she stood in the parking way with his cab waiting behind him. "Love you, Flower."

Mirae almost laughed out loud when she saw the remarkable scene before her. She squinted her eyes in order to confirm her doubt. Yes, it was real. Sehun, in his fitting gray coat and pants and hair sleeked up, was crouched beside the hedge outside the entrance of her workplace. He seemed to be troubled judging the way he was looking everywhere for something frantically. Mirae quickly parked her car and rushed to his side, shielding her eyes from the radiant sun rays.

"What are you up to? Planning a robbery in my office?" She asked, stifling her laughter.

Sehun's head whipped at her direction, a contorted expression immediately changed into that of relief. "Mirae! Just whom I was waiting for!"

"What's up?" She demanded "Get up. You could have waited inside."

He stood slowly but his back was still bent low to conceal his figure behind the hedge. "Is she inside? Do you think she'll see me from here?"

"Who?"

"Somin." He replied.

Mirae laughed. "Why? Is she the one you're hiding from?"

Sehun sighed. "I came to see you actually but I knew if I stepped inside that building Somin would see me and..." he breathed loudly, shaking is head. " You were right, she is something."

"You didn't even tell me how it went!" Mirae whined.

He smiled. "It was one of the best dates I've ever been to but--she talks too much! I thought my ears were going to bleed but. . . wow, I'm at a loss of words. Her energy level never really runs low, does it?"

Mirae nodded, a smile creeping up her lips. Sehun was finally taking interest in someone. "Yes. Somin is very lively. Do you like her?"

Sehun frowned. His sobered expression was not doing well to screen his emotions and Mirae could see right through it. "Hmm. She was-- fine."

She shook her head and smiled but chose to stay quiet knowing her friend's ways. 

"Aren't you late from work?" Sehun asked.

"Yeah. Chanyeol is leaving today so I was seeing him off." She answered, the gloom taking over her again.

"Oh I see." Sehun patted her head. "Don't be sad. I'm sure he would keep in touch."

She nodded. "Yes, that's the only thing I'm rooting for."

"How long is he gone?"

"Three weeks."

"At least he'll be here by Christmas." He reasoned.

"Hmm." She asked. "Are you planning to go to the Alumni Dinner on New Year?"

Sehun straightened his back. "I received the message just last week from the school administration. Though I promised myself I would never go back to that wretched place again but I'm having second thoughts now."

"That's right. You should come." She said with assurance.

Just then, the automatic doors of Mirae's office opened and she recognized the person by their clicking heels before she could even turn and confirm her fears. Somin, looking very flustered, came out side and stretched, her hands resting on her hips.

"Holy fuckin' shit!" Sehun muttered and crouched to his knees again.

But it was too late.

A rascal idea popped up in Mirae's mind and she decided it was time for a little fun. Standing on her toes, she waved over to her colleague. "Hey! Somin, over here!"

Another trail of curses came flowing out from Sehun's mouth as he his eyes widened at his best friend in disbelief. He kicked her left leg while still in his kneeling position. "Are you crazy!?" He spat. The sound of heels clinking on the marble floor was coming closer. He couldn't let her see him this way. Slowly and reluctantly, Sehun got up. 

Somin squealed in surprise as he suddenly came in view. "Oh, what might you be doing here?"

When Sehun just shrugged awkwardly, she glanced at Mirae. "Oh hey, there you are!" There was a cheerful smile playing on her lips.

Mirae grinned. "How was last night?"

Her smile widened. . . if that was possible. "It was really fun. Can you believe I was actually on time? I've never been so punctual before! Oh and we had sea food for dinner. It was so delicious, you have no idea!! I've always loved tuna fish but I tried Herring last night. It was so juicing and. . . "

Sehun groaned and whispered in Mirae's ear, while the other girl's voice was still echoing in the back ground. "See, I told you. How does one turn her button off?"

Mirae elbowed him. "She's just excited and I know you are too, you're just good at hiding it."

"Huh, not as much as---"

" . . . my feet were killing me, I'm never wearing those heels again--" Somin's voice halted suddenly when she noticed both of them muttering on their own. "Are you listening to me?"

Mirae nodded her head vigorously. "Yes, yes. Actually. . ." She glanced at Sehun. "He was just saying that he loved having a meal with you too." She ended smoothly.

Somin blushed and Sehun face-palmed, making a mental note that he definitely was going to get back at Mirae soon. But she wasn't done.

"I'll get going. Why don't you both chat?" She suggested sweetly.

Sehun looked up in astonishment. A strangled noise elicited from his throat as he saw Mirae walking inside. "Mirae! You're not going any--" He hissed.

"Oh sure." Somin agreed.

Sehun was only left mumbling curses in his mouth.

Mirae let the soft fabric of her cashmere winter dress slip on her figure effortlessly. She clicked open her jewelry box looking for the right earrings. She frowned upon finding nothing of her taste but settled in the end with pear-shaped silver ones she had bought with her first pay. She applied thick mascara, faint orange blush topping it off with a bright berry lip color. She tied her head from the sides but allowed most of it to flow freely. Not wanting to look over-dressed, she opted for kitten heels against stilettos. Mirae skipped across the living room which was still decorated in the Christmas decorations to Yumi's room.

As she turned the door knob, the smell of something foul filled her nostrils. "Eww! What are you--"

"GET OUT!" Yumi screamed, shutting the door on her face and locked it. Mirae slapped her fists on the door. "Yah! Let me in. Jung yumi, I demand you tell me what are you up to right now !"

"NO, PLEASE GO AWAY!"

"I have spare keys."

The door unlatched slowly and a narrow gap formed. Mirae let herself inside at once and gasped in shock. Yumi stood there with a guilty smile. Her hair was enrolled in bright blue curlers and she was in her bathrobes . But what stunned Mirae was a smelly yellow-green paste covering her face that smelled of rotten vegetables.

"You look like sponge bob."

"I know, I know." Yumi sighed. "This was a bad idea."

"What is this?!" Mirae lifted her hand to touch the paste but backed away because of the unbearable odor.

"The internet said it will make my skin glow and smoother. It's just a blend of some herbs and fruit extracts." She explained.

Mirae shook her head as she made herself comfortable on Yumi's bed. "Don't go surfing the web to experiment on your face. These people aren't even real dermatologists."

"Well, now I know."

"Oh I just noticed your dress. It's awesome!" Yumi clasped her hands in delight.

Mirae smiled, smoothing a crease on her peach colored dress which Chanyeol had gifted her on his long-awaited return from Japan a few days back. "Thanks."

"He should have been a fashion designer." She joked.

"Definitely." Mirae's eyes traveled across the room at Yumi's silk dress, her accessories, footwear and handbag all laid out waiting to be worn. Her lips curled into a smirk. "You're too excited about tonight, aren't you?"

It was New Year's Eve. Also the the night of much-anticipated dinner held by Daegu High school. All the previous six batches were invited as guests and Mirae deemed it as the best opportunity to catch up with everyone of her old class mate's life.

Yumi giggled. "Oh yeah?"

"I'm getting suspicious."

She rapidly rushed to her friend's side and sat beside her. "Guess what, I heard him saying to someone on phone that he was to go his school on New Year. And well that's the first thing that jumped on my mind. I'm sure he'll be there tonight!"

Mirae rolled her eyes. It was the restaurant guy again. "But we'd know him if he went to school with us, wouldn't we?"

Yumi frowned. "Shut up, don't be so reasonable all the time. I'm just waiting for a miracle, okay?"

Mirae laughed. "Alright, do as you please."

After urging Yumi to complete her make up and hair as soon as she could, they made their way to Mirae's car. The girls were going on their own because Baekhyun and Junmyun had planned to go together and Chanyeol was pretty busy so he was going to drop by late.

As soon as she pulled the brakes, a wave of nostalgia hit them. The decorations were remarkable. Everything chairs, tables, crockery and draperies were dipped in elegant white. The thick layers of snow gave a magical glow to their entire place.

She exhaled deeply in the familiar air, they entered the building where they spent their entire youth, their teenage. Mirae's heart was bursting with various emotions. She felt tears stinging the back of her eyes. There were so many memories and stories associated with those walls and corridors, classrooms and grounds. She told Yumi to go forward while she took time to compose herself.

A well-known voice filled her ears. Smiling, she turned around to greet. "Mirae, my child!" Madame Jung stood there with a bright smile, gone was the stern look Mirae was so accustomed to. She bowed and shook her hands with the person she always looked up to, her Chemistry professor.

"I heard you started practicing." Her teacher commended. Mirae looked closely and she felt sad to see that there were many gray hairs on Madam Jung's hair bun.  There were crinkles of weariness on her face. She was aging and there is nothing more painful than seeing the people who looked after you, getting old.

"Yes Ma'am. It's only been a few months but I'm doing good."

She smiled appreciatively. "Oh my, very well, you're still an example to my students. I wish I get another student like you."

Mirae's eyes became more glossy. These were the words she had ventured seven years of academics to hear from her teachers. Mirae thanked her again and again and excused herself. She wanted to say a lot of things. How much she missed being under her command and admiring her. But words seemed to be trapped in her mouth but she hoped her eyes were an proof at all.

The alumni and current students were milling in constantly. The crowd of people rejoicing and friends reuniting was getting bigger and bigger by minute but Mirae was not in the mood to join everyone just now. Laughter, greetings, Christmas carols and shuffling feet became a distant sound, like background music. She had another place in mind to visit. The common room.

Trudging up the many staircases Mirae was totally immersed in the memories attached to any spot her eyes fell on. She took a deep breath and pushed open the door of the place she had spent most of her time.

A smile adorned her face as she entered as silently as a mouse. She was happy to find it empty. Walking around the room while brushing her fingers with the couches and tables and the curtains-- anything she could reach. She closed her eyes in satisfaction, letting herself absorb the good vibes she was getting that she became totally unaware that another person had also entered the common room just as quietly as she had.

"Mirar? Kang Mirae?"

Her eyes sprang open and she jolted at the sudden interruption to her serene environment. She turned around slowly and laughed jovially. "Jinyoung!"

Before she could contain herself, she neared him wanting to hug him straight but her conscience restrained her at the last moment. What if Jinyoung still wasn't comfortable to be close to her. She cleared her throat, "Um, hello!"

He smiled widely. "Hi." He paused. "How-uh--how are you doing, Advocate Kang?"

"I'm good. I heard about you though. Debuting?"

He nodded. "Yes. I'm quite busy these days but this night--" he pointed aimlessly in the air--"I couldn't miss this at all costs."

She smiled, supporting herself against the back of the couch. Jinyoung looked fuller and healthier. His eyes were shining, his physique was more shapely. He looked happier. "I'm so happy for you. You're going to sing and dance and maybe act too. You've always wanted this, haven't you?"

His eyes lit up. "Yeahh. And I'm lucky I got great people to work with."

"Is it a group you'll debut with?" Mirae asked.

"Yes, a band. They're like my brothers, we've gotten really close."

"That's nice." She agreed. "Stronger bond, better teamwork."

A brief silence descended upon them. Mirae was trying to find words she had thought of saying to him all these years. But it was Jinyoung who broke the spell.

"How is Chanyeol doing?"

How does he know we're still dating, Mirae thought. "He's great. In fact, he's working with music too. But a little discretely though."

"Really? So it's true? I--I heard about this but I couldn't believe it." Jinyoung expressed his amazement. "Where is he, by the way? I had in mind to meet him with all of the other football teammates."

"He'll come but I'm not sure when." She answered.

There was a pleasing smile on his face but Mirae couldn't work it out. She had believed it would feel awkward meeting her ex after all these years but she was surprised that it wasn't near awkward at all. In fact, it was like meeting an old friend. She was hesitant, yes, but it vanished as soon as he warmed up to her.

He was staring at her blatantly making her feel restless and anxious. She ran fingers through her hair absentmindedly and pursed her lips. She looked around the room focusing her gaze on the notice board. It was covered with schedules and timetables. They shivered when a sudden blast of air surged inside. When she looked at him again, she was taken aback to see him still gazing at her.

Mirae cleared her throat but she was stopped in her tracks when he raised his hand and ruffled her hair adorably, careful not mess it. "You're still the same, aren't you? The Mirae I knew."

She raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "I--um--I hope this was a compliment."

Jinyoung threw his head back and laughed. "Of course."

After composing himself, he said. "I should go. I don't have a lot of time and there's a big bunch I've got to meet up with." He smiled. "I hope we keep seeing each other like this."

"I don't see that happening." She shook her head. "Not when you're an idol."

He sighed. "Yes my schedule will be tight, we're currently recording our album. But. . . I'm definitely gonna hire you when I'll need to file a case against an anti-fan or anyone else." He joked.

"Oh, I'll always be in your service." She laughed and stepped aside so he could leave. Jinyoung wrapped an arm around her shoulders embracing Mirae in a short hug and then released her. It was nothing but sweet and friendly.

As he made his way for the door, Mirae called. "Jinyoung! When's your debut?"

He frowned and answered. "Next month. Why?"

She held her fists up. "Good luck! I'll be your biggest fan."

He grinned widely and tilted his head again. As the door closed, Mirae sighed in content. She was finally on good terms with him after years.

Now that her heart felt lighter, she roamed around the main lobby where everyone was gathered. She spent a lot of time approaching old buddies and teachers. A warm and fuzzy feeling settled as laughter filled the air. She made sure that she at least paid a visit to every spot she used to be frequent at. Just as she was exiting the library, Mirae ran into Sehun.

"Oh my god, look at you!" She cried out. 

His hand shot up to touch his hair. "What? Why?"

She rolled her eyes. "Nothing. You look great. I'm just saying you finally made up your mind to come."

Sehun beamed. "Yes. I knew I'd regret it if I didn't."

"I told you so." She smirked. A thought popped up in her mind and she decided it was the right time to ask. She had to be very cautious about it. "I hope I'm not being too personal but do you want me to introduce you to someone else--"

"I never asked you to introduce me to a girl---"

"Is that a yes or no?"

"No."

She punched his shoulder lightly. "I knew it!! You're still seeing Somin, aren't you?"

He was taken by surprise. Sehun had suddenly been quite tight-lipped about his love life which was odd for Mirae. She had asked him several times but he never responded properly. And for some reasons, Somin was out of reach every time she meant to ask. Mirae knew she was being nosy but this Sehun and you're supposed to be nosy in your best friends life.

His dropped mouth took its place and he gulped, looking collected again. "I never said that either--"

"Oh come on!" She whined. "This is unfair." She pouted.

He laughed boyishly. "These charms don't work on me. Go show them to your boyfriend." Sehun turned to leave but Mirae's next words halted his steps in mid-air.

"I swear I'm going to show Somin your baby pictures!" She almost screamed over the babbling voices.

He whirled to face her, fixing her with an annoyed scowl. "Now, that's unfair."

She smirked, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "So?"

Sehun sighed. "I--" He paused. "I don't know what to say."

Mirae rolled her eyes "You're acting like a pussy."

"Somin and I. . . may or may not be seeing each other."

"Since when?" She gasped.

"Since a few weeks."

"Weeks! A few weeks?!" Mirae pounced at him, hitting him sharply on the back of his head, making him jump in pain. "I was the one who arranged you two and not a word--" another smack--" Not a single word that you could have mentioned to me about this!"

"Ow!" He leapt back. "What's gotten into you?!"

"This is outrageous." She scowled, folding her arms. "I feel betrayed."

He rolled his eyes but a smile was creeping up on his lips. "Come off it. I'm leaving. Try not to whack anyone else tonight." Sehun waved. "If you can."

Mirae spent some time in the library before making her way back to the main lobby. She had planned to visit every place with Chanyeol but he was no where to be seen. As she sipped on the cider that a waiter had just served her, Mirae contemplated whether it was a good idea to call him up but she decided against it.

Yumi and her walked to the main lobby together and the former told her about the restaurant guy again. He was a student here, after all. "I'm sure I was the one he was winking at that time." Yumi announced confidently.

"Of course it has to be you." She convinced her friend.

"There he is, look!" Yumi suddenly pointed at someone. Mirae searched for him but she couldn't catch hold of him. "Which one?"

"That one, who has mullets."

Mirae hummed in approval and nodded. He was showing them their back but he seemed hypnotizing. "If his face is as cute as his butt is, then I say you go for it!"

Her friend burst in laughter. "I told you!"

As they entered the room, she discovered that out of nowhere, Madame Jung had lost her wire-rimmed spectacles, her pink hat and her handbag. It was weird how one could lose their most essential accessories especially her but she claimed that she had taken them off before using the washroom but they were out of sight when she returned. The poor woman looked for them everywhere but to no avail.

And then after half an hour, Byun Baekhyun entered the room wearing the same pair of glasses proudly with Chaneyol, a familiar pink hat on his head and Jumyun holding a handbag looking  equally happy with himself.

After all, having graduated doesn't mean you can't pull pranks on your favorite teacher anymore.

Instead of exploding with anger as one must expect her to, Madame Jung burst into laughter and the room erupted in cheers. They seemed so feminine in the pinkish accessories. It was a hilarious reminder of school days. But as soon as the boys reached over to meet her----and return her things, she burst into tears and hugged all three of them tightly one by one. They were taken aback and so was everyone.

Today was a very emotional day for her and why wouldn't it be, seeing your old students as accomplished individuals. But the sight of the trio must be her breaking point because they were, beyond doubt, a significant part of her career. Catching them red-handed and punishing them certainly was.

The boys didn't have a hard time consoling her but it was unquestionably an enormous moment of pride for the pranksters to have their arch-enemy, their challenger and rival be so happy to see them again. They were brilliant students and she was a clever head of discipline and both had given each other an equal hard time in school.

As things settled down, Mirae crawled through the crowd to meet Chanyeol but he had vanished into thin air. She asked about him to his friends but they were clueless. She rang him several time only to find his phone switched off.
That was an hour ago. Now, It was getting on her nerves. Was he avoiding her or something?

"Baekhyun, are you sure?" She asked for nth time.

"Yes, Mirae." He groaned in frustration.  "Chanyeol didn't say a word about it."

"Then why do I feel like you know something?"

"You're going crazy." Baekhyun suggested wisely, taking a full swig of his vodka.

"But it's nearing midnight. Wouldn't he even come for the countdown?"

"I don't think he left. He must be here somewhere." Junmyun voiced out.

"Exactly. Something's fishy!" She said firmly. "Why can't I figure it out?"

"Sit down, at least." Yumi tried to convince her friend, who was striding around their table anxiously.

"I can't."

"Hey, what's going on?" It was Jongdae. He joined the table with Kyungsoo at his side, both looking smart in their blue jackets.

"Have you seen Chanyeol?" Mirae dived, asking them nervously.

They shook their heads. "Maybe he's using the washroom." Kyungsoo said while he ordered drinks.

"Since an hour?" She asked skeptically.

"Yea, maybe he's showering. He rarely does that at home." Baekhyun cracked.

She glared at him. "I'm not joking here."

"This woman is going to kill someone tonight." Jongdae muttered under his breath but it was loud enough for everyone to hear, making them laugh silently.

"I'm going to kill your dear friend first." She rolled her eyes.

"Oh my god, oh my god he's coming!!" Yumi exclaimed, her eyes widening.

"Chanyeol? Where?!" Mirae almost screamed.

Yumi gave her a hard look. "Not him. I meant him." She pointed her finger at a guy approaching them. She pulled out her hand mirror, fixing her hair urgently.

Mirae glanced at the guy who was coming. She had definitely seen him around in school. His smile was so pretty and luring, she noticed.

"Jong In?" Baekhyun asked in disbelief. "You've been crushing over Jong In all this time?

"You know him?" Yumi asked suspiciously.

"Yes!" Junmyun answered. "You should have shown us a picture. He's our friend."

Yumi slapped her forehead. "My bad luck."

Jongdae nodded. "Yes, I recognize him. He used to very good in my dance class."

Kyungsoo grinned slyly. "He's my best friend."

Yumi let out an exasperated noise from her throat. "If everybody knows him so well why didn't you introduce us before. I wouldn't have wasted all that free chicken orders on him."

As Jong In came over and greeted, Mirae shot up near him and asked, "Have you seen Chanyeol anywhere?"

His smile dropped, making him confused at her sudden question. "Uh--what?"

"Nothing." Yumi nudged Mirae aside and held his hand as he escorted her away.

Huffing out in frustration, Mirae finally trotted over to the table where the guys were seated and slumped tiredly. She was sulking. Chanyeol had came back just this week and he'd been so busy that she'd hardly seen him properly. But she had big hopes for New Year but he was totally ruining the night. Sensing her bad mood, Jongdae brushed her hand gently. "Maybe he's with his football team mates? He was pretty social during his time. You never know how many people he has to catch up with."

"Is it so hard to drop in and say a hi at least?" Mirae whined.

He sighed. Baekhyun's phone beeped and he mumbled something in Junmyun's ear and left with Junmyun tailing after him.

"I'm sure he is catching up with all of his exes. Chanyeol has a few hundred of them, it must take long."

That was the final straw for Mirae who was already too distressed to know that Chanyeol was hanging out with his previous girlfriends. She put down the glass angrily and left the table.

"He's going to lose this one if he is actually do that." Kyungsoo joked, seeing Mirae seething in rage.

Weaving through crowd and tables, she stumbled across Sehun again. This time he was accompanied by Yixing. She dropped by to say a hello to the chinese guy.

"What's the matter? You don't look so okay." Sehun asked.

Mirae felt that she was going to cry if the situation remained the same for a little more while. With a tired sigh, she answered, "Chanyeol's lost."

"He's not a child."

She shook her head. "I haven't seen him all night. It's like he is avoiding  to see me."

Sehun chuckled. "I'm sure, he isn't. In fact, he was talking about you almost an hour ago."

"With whom?"

"With me." Sehun replied.

Mirae gaped. She wasn't surprised that they had a civil conversation because that was something each of them had done a number of times now and the compromise was always for her sake. What surprised her that he was actually going around chatting with people and wasn't kid-napped or anything. " What was he saying?"

"Nothing."

She opened her mouth to protest when Yixing spoke up. "Wait, I saw Chanyeol just now in the male's washroom. He looked pretty tense. You sure you guys didn't have a row?"

"Nopes." Mirae smiled thankfully at him, shaking Yixing's hand. "But thanks. I have a lead now, at least."

Upon reaching her destination, the next mission was to enter that place but how on Earth could she barge in the washroom when it wasn't ethical. She looked around, searching for help and help was sent immediately.

Minseok, her senior and friend, exited the male washroom and flinched upon seeing her. "Mirae! Oh hey. . . " She noticed that he seemed very bewildered and fazed. His eyes quickly darted to the door before facing her.

She bowed, clasping her fingers together. "Hi. How have you been?"

He nodded. "I'm good. What might you be doing here?"

"Um . . . I've been looking for Chanyeol. Can you check if he's inside?" She pointed at the wash room.

"I didn't see him there." Minseok replied.

"Are you sure? I was told he is there." She tried again.

He smiled knowingly and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Yes, I'm sure. Maybe he left."

She faked a smile to show that she okay although she was anything but. Finally deciding that she had enough of this drama, she went back to the main lobby to serve herself some dinner. It was approximately 40 minutes to midnight and she badly wanted the midnight kiss he had promised her. Mirae felt sad thinking she was going to begin the new year without the love of her life beside her. Sighing she closed her eyes and leaned on her chair.

A voice called out. It was Baekhyun. "Chanyeol told us to tell you that he's heading up to the rooftop for a break from the noise." He explained, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively at her.

Mirae exhaled a large breath of relief. "You might find him dead up there." She muttered as she stood up to see her boyfriend at last.

Junmyun was grinning ear to ear and Baekhyun had a similar sly smile shaped on his lips. She had a sudden hunch that they'd known about this since the beginning but she chose to be quiet. "I'll see you next year." She joked lightly as she passed them.

"Don't do anything we wouldn't!" Junmyun called after her.

She suppressed a laugh. They clearly had some dirty thoughts about what a couple could do on a rooftop even when she had no such plans. Mirae rolled her eyes and paused, turning slightly to face them. "You'd do anything though." She teased.

"Exactly."

There was new found energy in her frozen legs as Mirae climbed the stairs. The lengthy passage felt short now that she knew Chanyeol was going to be on the other end. She took a deep breath and turned the cold metal door knob of the rooftop. As she entered, a gust of biting air slapped her but she felt nothing. In fact, Mirae felt warmer now. Her heart burst with happiness as her eyes met him.

It was their fourth year anniversary tonight.

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This was officially the last chapter. Hope it was up to your expectations.
Next is Epilogue, stay tuned!