- Six Days Later -

8:46pm in the morning, the loud, active and lively hallway of Adroit never failed to deliver a warm and happy welcome to students who just walked passed the school entrance. There was no such thing as a lazy and gloomy morning inside Adroit for it has always been a place full of laughter and positivity once you've entered the school gates - however a certain boy chose to differ.

"For freaks sake Ta-ki chill. Your Jay hyung already asked his father to hire an elite team, even Akane's people came to help. Heeseung and Jake hyung had called the news station and is lending out flyers, Sunoo um. . . I don't wanna know what type of shenanigans he's in, their parents are already out on the look out and the search team is close to finding them."

"Also, teachers are worried about you Ta-ki. You don't want your grades to start slipping right?" 

Ta-ki hums in response. "Yeah I guess so, but it kinda does feel weird not being able to see Ni-ki and the others in awhile. I mean, what disaster have we entered? What did they even do to deserve all of this? It feels like a living nightmare. The only good thing that happened is our team retaining our spot as champions and Ni-ki and Takara getting together." if he could, Ta-ki would voluntarily give away their title and trophy just to see his friends back in a good state. Not this mess.

"And a successful heart transplant for Katsumi."

"I heard she'll be discharged soon."

"In four weeks time, yes."  slamming her locker shut. Lucy distributed her notes to the two boys. "These are some old notes I made, I might be a year up than you two but trust me, it's very helpful and easy to understand. Oh and Xinlong, the highlighted sentences and phrases are super important so I suggest you memorize them, you don't wanna get called by Mr. Jung and stand there knowing nothing." she remembered slacking off in Mr. Jung's class two years before and boy, how embarrassing was the punishment he gave her. She even had to act like she's sick in order to stay home for a whole week just because she's scared of facing the strict teacher. "I forgot to mention, me and the others will be visiting Takara later after school ends, will you guys come with us?"

Xinlong shooks his head. "Can't. I will be studying at Hanyu ge's house later. I have a science test scheduled tomorrow."

"Ta-ki?"

"I guess I could pay a visit."

"Great! Make sure to invite Chaeji and Mijin as well, they really look pitiful these past few days. Probably because they're devastated at the news of the sudden disappearance of their friends, so might as well let them tag along." 

"But what if they don't want to?"

"Then they should at least help Jungwon sell his hyung's ripped underwear right on the streets of Seoul." Lucy chuckles. "Kidding. Cheer up kid, we'll see them soon." she pats Ta-ki's back before running up to her friends.

"Make sure to back up the first line of defense, judging by how Tsuyoshi's playing, the number of police men you encountered two days ago will double once they have tracked our location. But do remember, our numbers are greater than Yoshi's team. Just make sure you'd avoid acting on your own so that we'd have a greater chance in winning and lesser chance of actually being captured."

Misato steps up and salutes. "But sir, we did work together. Most of us survived and made it back here alive-"

"Most of you. But not all of you. Two died in the field while three are now captured. You could say that majority of your group returned but may I remind you Misato that half of your men came back with fatal injuries and deep shots. Without proper and immediate treatment, they could have died on the spot because of your recklessness." Koshino shot at him with an angered look. His teeth gritted and hand balled into a fist, veins now looking more visible. Koshino understood that it was a sudden encounter and they were left unprepared but what he couldn't accept was his act of stupidity and incautiousness. If Misato would've been more careful, his teammates would have survived and returned with scratches and minor injuries.

"My apologies. I'll make sure that won't happen again."

"It better not. We can't let Yoshi have the advantage."

"Sir, we have Riki. Don't we have the upper hand?" queried Mikihiko.

Koshino sighs in disappointment. "Our advantage will be determined by our strategy and play in the field. Riki goes as our last resort, that's why I'm asking you all to stand on guard and be vigilant." carefully scanning the map of their area, Koshino thoroughly revises his plan and men assigned in different areas of the vicinity. He's confident with the skills and abilities his team possesses although he has to admit, they aren't the brightest among their curriculum back at the academy, but nor are they the most dimwitted.

Koshino never cared about Riki nor Nagi and her plans. His only goal was to put an end to Yoshi, for good. Up until now, Koshino refuses to accept the reality of Yukio marrying another man and unexpectedly passing away. He didn't leave Japan to go train and study in the States just to see her late loved one get married and fulfill their dreams, hand in hand with another. All that's left for him was shattered dreams, broken promises, deceit and a ripped heart.

- 33 Years Ago -

It was a beautiful day. A day full of laughter, love and a little bit of teasing. If they were to go back and compare their past dates, this was the best one they have been to. From causing ruckus inside the mall, screaming and puking after a wild rollercoaster ride to raiding 7/11, the two had never felt alive. For once, they ran free as if there were no rules in the world. No problems to worry about, just running around and wasting money on food - and a few items they happen to break.

But let's not forget, all things needs to come to an end. Living happily and free won't go on a lifetime. Seeing such a wonderful day come to an end, is what Yukio feared. She didn't want it to end. If she were to choose, she'd want to repeat the whole day over.

"Do you have to go?" with her head on his shoulder, Yukio watches as the sun slowly sets letting the dark starry night reign over the orange and pink hue colored sky. Her hand tightly holding his, never wanting to let go.

"I have no choice. As much as I want to stay, I cant. . . . my parents have already decided." he caressed the back of her hand with his thumb, trying to comfort her. Koshino didn't want to leave her behind either, and five years of separation? He doesn't think that he'll be able to survive that long without her by his side. In short, it's a nightmare.

Five years. . . that's already difficult enough to handle. A lot is going to happen in the span of five years, Yukio is terrified of the changes that is to occur in the future. And who knows that one of those changes is Koshino replacing her with another woman - not being able to meet him face to face throughout his college years the possibility of this prediction slowly arises. The guy hasn't left yet but this prediction of hers is haunting her consciousness. Yukio slowly starts to develop trust issues.

Out of the blue, the girl suggests an option that Koshino himself couldn't believe was coming out of her own mouth. "Should we break up? I don't think we could survive in a long distance relationship."

Koshino stood from his ground. "W-What are you saying? Are you just going to give up on us?"

"Koshino, couples won't last in a situation we're about to enter, I mean who knows that behind the screen of your phone, you're already hand in hand with another woman? We won't last -" The boy grabs her right arm and slid a silver ring to her fourth finger. He kissed it and looks straight into her eyes with a sincere and loving look. For a moment, Yukio forgot how to breathe. "What's this? An ultimatum?"

The boy proceeded on kissing her forehead. "It's me, securing my future with you. Didn't you mention just a month ago that you'd want to have three children after you get married?" Koshino pulls her to his embrace. "I remember that you were able to come up with two names. Konon and Riki. Konon if ever you gave birth to a girl and Riki to a boy. . ."

"Y-You still remember that?"

"Will you marry me?"

"What?" Yukio takes a step back.

Koshino ruffles his girlfriend's hair. "In three years. After I finished studying in the States and returned back to Japan. . . in three years, I'll marry you." the boy kneeled down on one knee and gently kissed the top of her hand. In a few more hours, he'll be leaving her behind, all he wanted to do now is leave a romantic gesture and for a moment, act like a prince in those disney movies. Koshino wanted to let her know that he's willing to spend the rest of his lifetime with her and that she shouldn't worry about him. He is already set in marrying  Aikawa Hirayukio.

Yukio stood there speechless. She felt her eyes water as she stares down his loving eyes. 

"Promise me you'll marry me. . . promise me you'll wait. . . promise me Yukio. . ." taking a deep breathe, Koshino built up his confidence to say the following words. "Aikawa Hirayukio, will you marry me?"

Tears slowly flowing down her cheeks, signifies not sadness but happiness. Mere words can't describe the euphoric feeling she feels right now, it was overwhelming but Yukio isn't complaining. Never has she met someone so sincere and sweet like Izaki Koshino. She nods "Yes. Yes! I will marry you!"

With that being said, Koshino lifts her up and spins his fiancé. You could tell by the big smile on his face that this was the happiest moment of his life. His future with Aikawa Hirayukio is now secured. The only thing that's left to do now is to maintain a strong bond even through the distance and difference in time zones, for sure they'll be able to survive for the years to come because this woman right here is his future wife. . . the woman he was going to marry.

- End of Flashback -

How salty is the taste of lies and deceit.

The taste of life with its stupid turn of events.

Little did he know back then, the reality he desperately wanted to come true crumbles down to pieces. Was it even a reality to begin with?

"Return back to your stations. Let's call this a night." Koshino loads his gun and proceeds out to exit without sparing a look at his team. He felt so stressed and angry, the only thing that helped him cool down was Yukio. Needless to say the girl is gone, so firing bullets at the firing range was his only reliever. 

11:56 pm.

Right below the bright night sky, Saeyoung leans on to the balcony staring at the far edge of the dark forest. It was a good view, but it was all so quiet. Too quiet. Chills ran up her spine at the thought of suddenly being stabbed at the back. In movies and television series, the victim would always be brought to a quiet location, once the victim is in place the killer charges. From what Saeyoung remembers, the next scene turns bloody and brutal.

"Did I draw well?" Ni-ki sneaks beside Saeyoung and passes his sketchpad. It was a drawing of a girl in a balcony on a cold night. Speechless, Saeyoung fixes her gaze to the boy who was now staring at the same view she was staring at a second ago. His side profile was mesmerizing, she must admit. As soon as the cold breeze swept in, his hair flows around with it. . . damn. Nishimura Riki, everyone.

Its been over an hour since she found herself drowning in the middle of her thoughts, non stop worrying about her and her friend's faith whether they would successfully come out alive or dead. The people here didn't seem to have bad intentions but, that doesn't explain why they should easily trust them when there's a whole other reason why they were abducted here in the first place. Earlier today, Saeyoung felt that something is going to happen big time. She just couldn't comprehend whether it's something to be celebrated about or not.

"Is this a drawing of me? Wow. . . you were so quiet I didn't even have a clue that you were watching me the whole time."

"What's on your head? You look pretty occupied." he caught her red handed.

Saeyoung shook her head. Slowly facing the view in front of her, Saeyoung's mind drifted off to her family and friends, wondering about them and their well-being. Even if she's far from their grasp, the girl is in hopes that her loved ones are doing well. "Nothing much, just my family and some other unfinished tasks I have yet to start on - "

"Lies."

"What?"

"I'm not dumb. I know you. . ."

"Should I be guilty?"

Ni-ki rolls his eyes and walks back inside. Saeyoung ignores him and went straight back to her thoughts. Never has she been away from home this long, she felt homesick. The fact that she now wakes up from four to five am in the morning and the first thing that popped up in her mind was her family and friends. How eager she is now to escape from this place.

A minute later, Saeyoung felt herself being wrapped by a warm piece of cloth. Turns out Ni-ki, went back inside just to bring her a blanket. What a gentleman. Takara must be so lucky to have him.

"You know, I have yet to experience a more sweeter side of you. Believe me when I say that sometimes I do wonder what type of relationship you'll have with your future boyfriend."

Saeyoung chuckles. "Well the person won't know unless they date me. I mean, I'm a completely different person from the Saeyoung you're looking at now, to future Saeyoung with her boyfriend."

"So you're saying you have a hidden special side?" 

"I think so? Because it's just difficult to trust people these days, you know?" Saeyoung suddenly remembered a classmate from the seventh grade, they were quiet close when she suddenly drifted away from Saeyoung. It was all so sudden, but as days pass on, little did she care and quietly moved on. But just last year, a boy classmate of hers had a crush on her ex friend, Saeyoung was aware of that but what she couldn't believe was that he was taking on not only one but two girls at the same time. She couldn't stand it so she warned her from the boy but she didn't listen and the next thing that happened, her ex friend told the boy about Saeyoung's warning. He wasn't happy with what he heard so together, they started to spread fake rumours about Saeyoung. Luckily, she was friends with Chaeji - her father was a lawyer. In order to stop them from causing a huge stir from students outside their level, Chaeji threatened them about being sued for slander. "Have you ever been scared that the kindness and effort you gave to this person wouldn't be reciprocated and the next thing you know, they're just planning to make fun of you?"

With no hesitation, Ni-ki back hugs Saeyoung tightly into his arms and for a minute, the girl felt her cheeks blush bright pink. "Calm down Nishimura, don't make it look like I'm on a pity party."

Feeling his hot breath on her neck, Saeyoung froze. "I just thought you needed it." he whispered, tone hoarse and deep. Saeyoung thought it was attractive. The girl can't help but admit that she felt herself falling for Nishimura Riki all over again. She didn't like what he was doing to her and if it continues, Saeyoung will never get over him.

The reality is, he's just being sweet. Ni-ki has Takara anyways.

"Are you mad at me?"

"For what?" questioned the girl.

"Nothing. Promise me something. . ."

"Changing the topic ey?" the boy lightly pinches Saeyoung. "Ouch! What was that for?" she turns to look at Ni-ki who gave a cold look. "Okay, you're being serious. Go on. . ." the boy sighs and pulled her into an embrace. Alarmed, Saeyoung momentarily stopped breathing and questioned herself if this was a friendly type of hug or something more. . . it didn't feel like a friendly one at all if she were to voice out her thoughts.

"We might not be in a relationship but please promise you'll still stay by my side. And I'll stay by yours."

The girl murmurs, "So sudden?"

"You won't know what's going to happen tomorrow right? Or the next day after that." Ni-ki took a small step back, with a small smile he pulls out his pinky finger. What's ironic is, even Ni-ki himself didn't know why he was acting like this, however his emotions remained true and faithful.

"I, Nishimura Riki promise to stay by Roh Saeyoung's side. Through sorrow and joy. For better or for worse. I will always stand by you no matter the case, this is a vow I give to you, forever and always."

Saeyoung intertwined her pinky with his, meeting him in the eye she felt comfort and sincerity. "I, Roh Saeyoung promise to stay by Nishimura Riki's side. Through sickness and in health. No matter what I felt, I will run to you when I need help. I'm grateful to have you in my life, to our friendship, I will never wave goodbye. Our story didn't start with a hi but I will forever be with you until I die."

Ni-ki smiles widely. For the first time, he was able to see those loving eyes. This was a moment of a lifetime, screw fierce and sarcastic Saeyoung. If this was her being sweet, this side of hers hidden quite deep, Ni-ki will swim and find it for safe keep. A treasure he holds dear, his love for her knows no fear.