🌸 WON HAEJIN'S POV🌸

Opening my eyelids proved to be a struggle. Despite getting a good night's sleep, my whole body ached and my head throbbed as if someone hammered nails into it.

I never read that lucid dreaming had such side effects too.

Somehow, I raised my body and sat on the bed. With my right hand, I touched my forehead and felt a fabric-like bandage securely wrapped around my head.

Weird. When did I get this injury?

“Miss, you're awake!” A woman’s voice caught my attention and I turned my head.

“Kim Hye Yoon-ssi?!” The resemblance surprised me. The woman looked identical to Kim Hye Yoon, one of my favourite actresses who portrayed Eun Dan Oh in Extraordinary You.

“Miss, my name is Doo Na. Han Doo Na. I am your personal maid,” she informed, her voice gentle and reassuring.

(A/N: Imagine that a white bandage is wrapped around her head.)

My maid? I don't have one. What’s going on?

I noticed the traditional decoration of the room, a stark contrast against my cozy, minimalist bedroom back home. Intricate patterns adorned the wooden furniture, and the soft glow of lanterns casted warm shadows against the paper walls.

Wait, I haven't woken up!

My eyes widened at the realization.

Is this another lucid dream or a continuation of the same dream?

“You can change the plot of your favourite drama.” I recalled Yara's words.

My favourite drama is Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo, which is a historical romance and the traditional decor is quite matching.

So this is a continuation, but...

My eyes went back to the woman who resembled Kim Hye Yoon.

But there was no Kim Hye Yoon in Moon Lovers!

Which drama did I land in then?

I took a good look at Doo Na. Her humble, earth-toned hanbok and simple braided hair hardly gave me vibes of Extraordinary You’s historical phase.

Maybe it's The Secret Royal Inspector and Joy. But, shouldn't her name be Kim Joyi?

Why this drama though? I signed the contract for Moon Lovers!

A scowl appeared on my face.

That cruel drama. It's almost eight years yet there's no hope for season two!

“Miss, it's alright. Don't get angry at yourself. I'm sure you'll remember,” Doo Na offered, her words laced with gentle reassurance.

“Remember… what?” I asked.

“Your memories. The physician said you might forget your memories due to the injury,” she explained softly.

Wow… Even a plot is going on! I marvelled at the creation of my own mind.

“Right! This is a creation of my own mind. I can create something else,” I smirked and snapped my fingers, intending to disappear from whatever drama I was in.

My surroundings changed and instantly, a wave of tranquility washed over me.

Soft, ambient lighting bathed the room in a gentle glow, emanating from floating orbs that shimmered in hues of soft blues and purples. The air hummed with a subtle, soothing energy, like a comforting embrace that wrapped around me as I entered.

As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I recognized a familiar figure standing at the center of the room.

It was Yara, the mystical entity who had promised me the chance to change the plot of my favourite drama.

Her presence was otherworldly yet calming, her ethereal form shimmering slightly as if made of light and mist.

“You!” I pointed an accusing finger at her, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “You scammed me! This isn’t what I asked for!”

💮 Flashback 💮

“Magical!” I found myself standing in front of a shimmering building that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy.

The building's iridescent facade subtly shifted colours, creating an entrancing display that hinted at its magical nature without being overwhelming.

The exterior had a modern yet whimsical design, with flowing architectural lines that seemed to defy gravity.

Glowing sigils adorned the walls, and large, welcoming doors were flanked by statues of mythical creatures that radiated a sense of safety and enchantment.

I stepped closer, squinting to read the name displayed on the building's board: “Fate Changing Agency.” The letters shimmered and shifted, alive with a magic that drew me in with their subtle glow.

Taking a deep breath, I was hit by a fresh, invigorating scent. It was a blend of blooming flowers, fresh earth, and something indescribably magical, like the crisp scent of morning dew infused with stardust. The aroma was both calming and invigorating, making me feel more alive and present in the moment.

The immediate visual impact was overwhelming.

The sky above was a breathtaking canvas of vibrant colours, shifting gently from a serene blue to hues of pink and gold.

Around me, flowers and plants pulsed with life and energy, their colours so vivid they seemed almost surreal. Architectural marvels dotted the landscape, each building more fantastical than the last.

A symphony of pleasant sounds filled the air. I heard the rustling of enchanted leaves, the distant melodies of magical creatures, and the soothing tinkling of wind chimes.

The harmonious background added to the surreal atmosphere, making me feel like I had stepped into a dream.

Despite the overwhelming newness, I felt an underlying sense of calm and safety. The harmonious environment reassured me that I was in a place of enchantment and peace.

A smile spread across my face as I took it all in.

“I did it… I’m really lucid dreaming!” I whispered to myself, a sense of accomplishment washing over me after all those weeks of practice.

“What should I do first?” My mind raced with ideas.

“I can eat to my heart's content, indulging in all the foods I usually restrained myself from, like a star in my own mukbang show!” My mouth-watered just thinking about it.

“Should I go on a date with a fictional character?” The idea made me blush. “How about jumping into my favourite drama and changing its plot?”

As I stood in the middle of the dreamscape, a shimmering light floated towards me. It was otherworldly, yet its presence was calm and inviting.

The light transformed before my eyes, taking the shape of a woman with an ethereal glow.

“Hello, Haejin,” she said, her voice soft and melodic. “I'm Yara. Follow me and I'll make your one fantasy come true.”

💮 Flashback Ends 💮

“You said if I followed you, you'll fulfill my one fantasy,” I began, my voice edged with irritation. “I even signed a whole damn contract specifying I want to change things in Moon Lovers. But you! You dumped me in a random drama I didn't even sign up for!”

Yara's expression remained serene, her eyes filled with understanding. “Haejin, I understand your frustration. But the contract you signed—”

“I know what I signed!” I cut her off sharply, feeling a surge of annoyance. “I signed it because I thought you would let me change the plot of Moon Lovers, my favourite drama.”

My frustration boiled over as I glared at Yara. “You know what? I shouldn't have followed you in the first place,” I snapped. “This was my first time lucid dreaming, and my mind bombarded me with ideas. I thought it would be better to go with the flow. But, I'll try again tomorrow and this time, I'll do it on my own.”

With determination, I snapped my fingers again, expecting the surroundings to dissolve and bring me back to reality.

But nothing changed.

The surrounding remained as it was, shimmering softly with its magical aura, and Yara stood before me with a patient expression.

“Let me go. I want to leave,” I repeated, desperation creeping into my voice. But no matter how many times I tried, it was futile.

“Weird. This worked back then. Why not now?” I muttered, frustration gnawing at my resolve.

“Haejin, listen to me carefully,” Yara spoke gently yet firmly, her eyes locking onto mine.

“You aren't lucid dreaming. You are in the Awakened Characters Realm, in the Transition Lounge to be precise, and the contract you signed in the Fate Changing Agency has bound you here until you finish your part.”

I felt a chill run down my spine, my mind struggling to comprehend the gravity of Yara's words.

“What... What do you mean?” I stammered, fear and confusion mingling in my voice.