"You never told me, Akane lives in a mall." her grip tightly holding the box of pizza, Saeyoung stared at the well built villa, her eyes sparkling in amazement with her lips slightly parted. She has never seen a mansion with a simple yet complicated exterior. Just by staring at it, anyone could tell that the design and structure were well thought out by a professional architect. A foreign architect, if she had to be more precise.

"Fun fact, her main estate is located back in Paris. Trust me when I say that all this is nothing once compared to what she has in France. This grand manor you see now, it's just her vacation home here in Korea." Nina ruffled her friend's hair like a child.  The japanese - american female looked back at her first time being invited to Akane's slumber party. Dang, it was one hell of a night. They played and partied like it was the light of their lives and for once, Nina felt a lot more alive than usual. She was a free spirit. 

Ever since she woke up, Nina went on and on about her predictions, actions that are yet to take place - knowing that a certain Nishimura Riki is invited to play in the club, Nina couldn't help but feel the urge of excitement. She is certain that this will turn into a night of ineffable epiphany. All she has to do is make two worlds clash, then the anticipated story will start to flow into it's corresponding direction. "By the way, here's a little reminder once we enter. . ."

"No matter how hard the party goes, don't ever try breaking the smallest treasures displayed inside or you might end up paying a million won?"

Nina rolls her eyes. Although what her friend said is undeniably true, Saeyoung's guess is somewhat far from what she had in mind. "Well yes but technically, that's not the main point. Take note of the number one rule, Once You're In, You Can't Ever Back Out. Never! Crystal Clear?"

"Why did that sound a bit intriguing? I mean, it's just a slumber party right?"

If only she's aware of the risks that's yet to come. For sure she wouldn't like, however it seems to be a different case for Nina. She's been attending Akane's party for three straight years, she's used to all the crazy stuff. It was a night full of endless possibilities after all. "A slumber party yes, but it's not just a slumber party. It's more than that." she gave her friend a small wink and a second later, she saw Akane waiting out at the entrance of her villa, talking to her best friends, Hikari - the school slacker and Umeko - the studious vice president of class IIA.

Once the two girls made their greetings, Hikari escorted them to the backyard and as Saeyoung expected, it was one big oasis. Swimming pools with water slides, Hot Tubs, a Cabana Area, a Side Bar, the party needs are all here. Another surprise is, it wasn't even packed. The number of invitees were smaller than what she had imagined, and guess what, most of the guest were japanese. It made Saeyoung feel like she shouldn't be here at all, though she still is thankful for the invite.

Out of the corner of Nina's eye, she smirked at the sight of the now brown haired boy, having small conversation with Taki and Hiroto Tohyama right near the pool area. "Hey Saeyoung, you took swimming lessons back when you were younger right?" the girl linked arms with her friend as they started to walk near the pool. Saeyoung had no idea what the girl was up to but eventually, she answered her with a nod. Nina clicks her tongue, then rested her head on her friend's shoulder. "Saeyoung, I love you and you know that right? Sometimes even best friends has to undergo trials to see how strong your bond is with each other and also, to deepen right? Because if one chooses to leave without trying, it means that he or she isn't there for you at all, correct?"

Saeyoung sighs. "Get to the point please, you're giving me major trust issues."

They were already six steps away from Ni-ki and his friends yet Saeyoung fails to notice. Taking a halt, Nina gives a depressing sigh. She turns face to face with her friend, pouting. Something tells Saeyoung that she won't like what is to come up next. "Nina, what are you -"

"I love you bestie!" she sent the girl a flying kiss and all at once pushed her to Ni-ki's direction.

"Ni-ki watch out!" Hiroto and Taki immediately ran out of the way while Ni-ki stood there frozen. Seconds later, their bodies clashed in a harsh manner and. . . splash! The two fell right into the pool. Hiroto and Taki watched in shock as for Nina, she was trying her best to conceal her laughter. But she knew that deep inside her head, that she's dead and Saeyoung would find away to kill her once she's all dried up. But it's worth it right?

Swimming up for air, Saeyoung felt pain at her upper body part. The way she excruciatingly collided with the person and landed right into the pool in a unsuitable attire, her cheeks were already warming up of embarassment. And five minutes is yet to pass since she arrived. This was so not a good start"Fuck, I'm so sorry! My stupid friend pushed me - wait, Ni-ki?"

The boy's eyes widens at the sight of the girl, seconds ago his friends were giving him comfort and encouraging words after the news of his deceased mother came flashing before them. He had no plan coming over to Akane's party because all Ni-ki wanted was to remain inside his room and continue to sulk for his mother but Konon refused to this idea, so she had no choice but to bring up the invitation and advise him to come and party the night away. There was no way she'd let her little brother waste his time and miss out on a good party. Although the boy was already wary of the guests since Akane would usually invite the same people all over again, however as soon as he caught sight of Saeyoung his gloomy mood faded away into the wind. "S-Saeyoung? You're here too?

A slow yet loud and distinct clapping was heard around the area catching everyone's attention. There stood Shio Akane, smiling at Ni-ki and Saeyoung's direction. "And that my friends is what you call destiny!"

Oh boy, it was going to be a long, long night.

Despite the fact that she had an embarrassing start at the party, the rest of her night were filled with heartful laughter and fun. Who knew that those tamed and well behaved students she notices by the sidelines at school were hyped beasts once the sun has sunken down. Although, Saeyoung seems to just be grooving with the loud music, she was still bothered by Ni-ki's unexpected yet anticipated presence. If she were to guess, it was either the kiss or the part where they crashed right into the pool that made her feel like this.

"Alright everybody! Mitsuko will be raising his boxers in replacement of the school's flag for next week's flag ceremony!" Umeko proudly announced whilst the others cheered. Saeyoung glanced at the flustered looking boy standing right next to Umeko - sounds like he's the first victim of the night. But rather than looking all shy and awkward about the idea, he had a big proud smile. 

If Saeyoung were to be in his place, she'd immediately dig her grave, hide and save herself from total embarrassment. There was no way she'd display her undies in front of the public eye, now that would be an unpleasant and disturbing feeling.

"Are they serious?" Nina nods. "The fuck? That's too much."

"I know, but remember the number one rule? Once You're In, You Can't Ever Back Out." she reminded to her now, dumbstruck friend. "Besides, it's just for fun and entertainment anyways. We won't go pass the limit."

"But isn't putting one in the limelight already is passing that so called limit of yours?"

"I think? But there's nothing to worry at all! It's not like Mitsuko will start wandering and shouting around the school hallways, claiming that the boxers they saw are actually his, girl no - well depending how shameless he is."

Saeyoung facepalms. She can't believe her friend is in approval of this behavior. "Nina, you -"

"Rule Number One! Once You're In, You Can't Ever Back Out." just then, Nina grabs hold of her friend's arm and started dragging her. "Yo! Nishimura Riki!" she called, waving her hand up high in the air. Ni-ki stood frozen at his spot, alarmed at the sight of Saeyoung who attempted to escape Nina's grip. "I figured that the two of you need some time alone and I don't know. . . talk things out? You can't let a good night pass without at least interacting with each other, don't be so dang boring! C'mon Taki." the two disappeared into the crowd leaving Ni-ki and Saeyoung.

The music blasted out loudly, everyone was having a good time. But these two chose to differ.

Saeyoung bites her inner lip. As the first one who initiated the embarrassing move earlier, might as well initiate the conversation. She is so ready to embrace what's to come. Well, that's just a gut feeling. "I heard you and Soul are doing fine now, is that true? - "

"Listen, Saeyoung." his tone, strong and firm. Ni-ki didn't want to waste time and go with all those petty talk when they could straightly get to the point and get things over with, no more misunderstanding shit. "I like you and all but sometimes, I feel like what we had before, were all just for jokes. It wasn't something serious, now realizing how stupid I was back then however, I really enjoy being with you, Sae. I really do, but let's do a reality check, I'm already with Takara, yet I already found myself cheating just a few days ago, that's not how a good boyfriend should act. I don't know what's going on with me but now that I've come to a realization, we're still young and clueless to actually know what love is and the meaning behind it. Although, there is nothing wrong in exploring and experiencing what love can actually bring us - how it could affect us as a person and as a partner. Takara continues to give me her all and I should reciprocate. Takara is my first love and I should treasure her with all I am. The first love should always be special, right?"

At those exact words, Saeyoung felt her heart gaining weight, she was being pulled down and there was no one there to help her. It hurt yes, but needless to say she was already expecting this. She needed to open her eyes and see the truth. This was not some Disney fairytale and if it were, she was never the female heroine. Saeyoung is certain that at this moment, she and Ni-ki are not meant to be.

Ni-ki gently lifts her chin up, their eyes now meeting. "You're such a special person to me, Saeyoung and I care about you a lot. I'm an ass for confusing you and wasting that love you could have given me but nevertheless, I'm grateful for it. I'm grateful for you. You showed and taught me so much. I love you for that, really." wasting not another second, Ni-ki pulled her into a tight hug. The music went to a pause and their friends already has their attention on them, little did they care about it.

"It really hurts but I have to let you go. You deserve someone who could treat you a lot better than me."

Little by little, small droplets of tears started to crawl down her cheeks. She is not crying of sadness, she was rather crying of happiness. Saeyoung is to, grateful of the times she and Ni-ki shared and it will forever remain close to her heart. 

Another sad thing is, she needs to let go of him. 

They need to let go of each other.

It was such a heartbreaking scene that even those who are watching started to tear up. Especially Akane who was already asking for a box of tissue from her personal maid.

"Nishimura Riki, Thank you. . . . starting from now on, you are free." she quietly utters, finally releasing herself from his embrace. It was a painful thing to say, but she had no other choice. She'll continue to hurt herself if she chose to lock up her feelings for him.

The chains of love that continues to bind them together, was now broken.