━═━═━═━┤ONE├━═━═━═━

song recommendation: fine - seonwoo jeonga

I open my eyes.  A faint streak of sunlight peeking through the split in the curtains illuminates the room. 

Where am I?  

The room seems to be a lounge, which opened up into the small kitchen. A vase of pink flowers, wilted, on the kitchen countertop and a bowl of upturned cereal on the floor by my feet. "Why is this here?" I take the bowl in my fingers, tracing over the small chip in the side. A sudden wave of sadness washes over me. Scooping the cereal back into the bowl, I ignore the lump in my throat and the ache in my heart.

My gaze lands on a crisp, white envelope on the table. I set down the bowl and curiously pick the envelope up. Gently opening it, I ensure not to rip it, and slide out the contents of it. A letter, decorated with baby pink stars and moons.

Hello! You may be wondering where you are and who you are. In this letter I will disclose most of your basic personal information. You will eventually remember this world.

Your name is Kim Jungwoo. You were born on the 19th of February, 1998. This is your apartment. Your neighbour is Lee Taeyong. Your favourite colour is pink and you love affection. Cereal is your favourite snack.

Please refrain from gaining access to your previous memories of the other world or there will be serious consequences for you.

- My Virtual Boyfriend Creator :))

I reread the letter a few times in confusion. Previous memories? Other world? What happened to me?

Placing the letter back on the table, I exhale out of frustration. Maybe I'll remember things if I leave the house. Guessing which door leads to the outside world, I open it. Sunshine immediately hits my face and I smile slightly.

"Jungwoo!" I turn my attention to a dark-haired boy, clutching the handlebars of a bicycle. "I was wondering when you would get back. Or if you'd come back at all."

I stare at him blankly. "Sorry, who are you?" Scratching the back of my head awkwardly, he laughs.

"Taeyong. Lee Taeyong. I'm your neighbour and friend." He extends his hand out and I shyly shake it.

"Oh! I remembered something! Ice King!" I exclaim happily, clasping my hands together. It was as if touching Taeyong had caused memories to resurface.

"Out of all the things to remember, you remember my stupid nickname?" Taeyong rolls his eyes.

"I also remember your bicycle." My gaze lingers on the bike, and Taeyong looks at me strangely. "You fell off it. I remember that."

"Outside the café? Jungwoo, how did you remember that?"

"I don't know, I just thought about it."

"But that happened in the..." Taeyong wearily looks around before shaking his head. "No, it doesn't matter. I better be going. See you later."

"Okay, bye?" He hops onto his bicycle, and pushes himself away from me.

What is Taeyong hiding?