- 6 Years Later -

"Self-defense wins."

With that being said, everyone rose from their seats and started to leave the court. Releasing a sigh of boredom, the twenty-two-year-old takes his airpods positioning the left earpiece into his left ear. With the music on maximum volume, the male finally exits the monument, his hands shoved at his coat's front pocket sheltering them from the cold winter morning. 

The male yawns. He just woke up from his slumber a few hours ago yet his eyes look so droopy. It's not like he had overworked himself yesterday at work nor did he pull an all-nighter but somehow he felt so drained and uneasy. Going down the white marble staircase, he had spotted the black Chevrolet parked at the sidelines of the road. Good relief - he was glad that it came back in good shape.

"Yow! Good morning! You don't look so enthusiastic, Riki B." greets the warm Ta-ki who displayed his usual heart-warming smile - which girls managed to find adorable. Silently throwing himself to the passenger's seat and slamming the car door shut, Riki ignored his friend and went on to get a shut-eye. "Dang, was the trial that boring? C'mon, I heard you played a promising role in the criminal investigation."

The Japanese blonde groans, all he wanted was a nice nap. "Clearly, I just had to. I had solid proof of evidence to present and I can't just back out on defending the innocent. Besides, I'm human too, you know?" memories of a girl he loved a few years back started to resurface. He remembered how she wanted to become a lawyer and study law after they have graduated. What's ironic is, she wasn't able to make it to graduation at all. 

"I see, you dyed your hair blonde! Let me guess, you took Kei-kun's suggestion, right? I've got to say, you do look more handsome and young this way." Starting the engine, the dark-haired Japanese male steps on the pedal and maneuvers the vehicle up the bustling road of Seoul.

With his head back, the blonde wanders off to his high school days. He smiles to himself, all those special memories. . . from the embarrassing to the most cliche moments, wow he never expected his golden years would be filled with so much drama. All those emotions, he met way back. Riki chuckles, he was so dumb back then, mature. . . well maybe at some point. But he wasn't that childish either. Damn, how time flies by so fast. He could still recall everything from the back of his palm as if it all happened last week.

Ta-ki's stomach rumbles. " So, have you eaten breakfast yet? I haven't."

Riki shooks his head. 

"Figures. Probably the reason why you don't seem like you're in the mood to go to work." Ta-ki giggles like a child. "Or who knows? Maybe even face the day. . . . missed your precious bed already?" 

The blonde rolls his eyes. He wasn't in the mood for teasing - well not this early in the morning. It just pisses him off. As much as he'd like to offer a nice punch, he can't. It's Ta-ki and his child-like antics. His day would never be complete without his friend's constant teasing or on normal days, annoying the heck out of him. For a twenty-two-year-old adult who's months older than him, he's making himself look like a seven-year-old child stuck inside the body of a fully grown adult. If he were to date, it's safe enough to say that a relationship with a woman who's more likely to be older, mature, and calm can guarantee him a long-lasting relationship.

"Whatever. . ." was the only word that escapes his lips.

Ta-ki laughs it off. As expected of him. "Will Starbucks do? I could use some coffee."

9:45 am, the time read.

"I'm fine with anything." grabbing his right earpiece and positioning it to his right ear, Riki crosses his arms and closed his eyes for the time being.

Plopping down his seat, Riki feels at ease at the sight of falling snow, sweet morning music being played throughout the shop, the fresh aroma of brewed coffee, and fewer people coming in and out now and then. Thank goodness. He thought the whole place would be packed, if so, they will have to drive and wait until they arrive at HYBE Labels to munch on their meal.

Lucky for him, he didn't have to pay for anything. Ta-ki did the honors of treating him - well, it's not like the guy had a choice. Riki 'forgot' to bring his wallet. . . a nice excuse he made up just so he wouldn't have to stand up and pay. Poor Riki A, such a gullible victim of his foolish tricks. He has been doing this for years now and yet Ta-ki seems to grow more credulous and ignorant. May he be lucky enough to meet more good-hearted and innocent people along this lifetime.

"Mr. Bang Si-Hyuk liked the choreography you created for VLADIMIR and their album, surely your salary would increase five times compared to what you're given now. You are something, Nishimura Riki!" Ta-ki chirps with enthusiasm.

VLADIMIR is HYBE Label's upcoming six-membered boy group that is set to debut in four months' prior time. Riki was given the opportunity to take charge and choreograph four songs from their debut album - which are Knight at Night, Killer, Aced, and their title track, Blaze. Ever since he started to work under the company, Riki secured a promising position, stood, and worked alongside one of the best choreographers. It has only been a year but he as well can't believe that the performance directors trusted him and his abilities that much to the point that he was assigned to a project not many can handle in their early years.

Another fun fact! He has finally established his dance studio in Korea. And by next year, there's a high probability that he might open two or three more branches in Japan - the main branch located in Okayama, of course. 

"Thanks. . . but can you tell me the food and beverage you ordered? I might as well skip breakfast if I'm not a fan of the dish." he said, voice coming off a bit hoarse. 

"What the- unnie! It's so early in the morning and you've had what? Two slices of blueberry cookie cheesecake, a slice of a seven-layer ganache cake, a white chocolate creme frappuccino, cafe mocha, and five orders of cake pops!?" the curly brunette watches in disbelief as her cousin continues to munch on her so-called 'breakfast'. For someone older than her, she isn't acting like a good and disciplined role model in front of her dongsaeng. 

Feeding herself a piece of her beloved ganache cake, the black-haired woman sets her fork down and motions her straw to run in circles around her creme frappuccino. "So sorry Myah. I'm getting tired of eating rice lately, so I thought that maybe eating something sweet for a change can help me set my mood up for work." she smiled innocently while offering a candy pop to her junior. 

"Fine. Fine. But make sure you'll bring me home souvenirs and chocolate! Tons and tons of chocolate! All just for me okay?" her friend laughs at her request. Myah is just adorable that she couldn't find herself to say no. Even if she did, she knows that by the end of the day, Myah would end up being spoiled anyways. 

"Okay-"

"Oh My Gosh! I can't wait to see your photos featured on the big billboards, buildings, and magazines in America! The photographer and CEO picked the right model to represent Dior and their product." Myah squeals in excitement. She was so proud of her unnie. Over the reality that they just started their career two years ago, from months of intense training and preparations up to modeling for small magazine covers inside Korea, this is where it led them now. On their way to global stardom. . . .

The black-haired female blushed at the idea. It has been a month since her company informed her about her partnership with DIOR for their upcoming magazine and who knows? Maybe she'd also be given the opportunity to walk on the runaway on Paris Fashion Week - but that matter is still yet to be discussed. Hopefully, she would be given a shot and hit a double jackpot, her hunger for exposure continues to grow by the day. But who is she to blame? The feeling is normal for a model under a small company.

"Triple Mocha Frappucino for Roh Saeyoung!" the waiter announced from the counter.

Myah stares at her unnie in disbelief. "Seriously? Another drink?"

"What? It's for Yewang, not me." Saeyoung defended. Rising from her seat, the girl proceeded down to the counter and thanked the staff. Unbeknownst to Myah, Saeyoung had already paid for their entire bill. It was rather embarrassing that she had to order a whole buffet and eat like a pig in front of her friend so she figured that this would be the least thing she could do.

At a certain table, two men had their eyes wide and mouth agape. Staring at the woman in front of the counter washed over thousands of hurtful memories. Turning to face Riki, Ta-ki flinches at the sound of the blonde's utensils dropping down to the floor. Cling! Clang! Once they were finally given a nice view of her face, Riki lost it. He could feel his hands trembling, his body felt hard as a statue, the harsh sense of gravity adds weight into his heart, and a tear managed to slip down from his eye.

"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."

He and Ta-ki were happily talking about returning to Japan for their vacation but why did it suddenly come to this? Wiping the tear off his face, Riki did not think twice and stood up from where he is and marched his way to the girl. Ta-ki just sat there staring at Saeyoung unable to comprehend what he saw. This isn't happening. . . he must be hallucinating. . .

With his head held up high, face serious as ever, Riki grabbed a hold of her arm and pulled her to face him and meet her in the eyes. She looked so vulnerable and innocent, he felt his heart skip a beat. Wait? Vulnerable and Innocent? Riki snickers, this isn't the fierce eyes she gave him the first time they met at the music room. Guess. . . time changes in a flick of a finger. Heaving a small sigh, he pulled her into a tight embrace. If only time could stop now, he wanted everything to last a bit longer. 

"Kitty. . . I miss you. . . so much. . ." he whispered in her ear. 

Lightly pulling out of his grasp, Saeyoung scanned his face. Riki was curious, was he a mess or. . .? The girl flashes a sweet smile. "Hi. . .do I know you?" she spoke out of the blue.

He felt his heart crack into two. Riki tried to read her expression and hope that it was only a joke but she was dead serious. She looked so clueless and dumbfounded, tilting her head to the side and blinking at the sight of the handsome brunette. Cute, he thought. "Kitty, it's me. Riki! Do you not remember me?"

The girl shook her head. "I'm sorry but. . . I don't recall meeting you before."

Ouch! Well, that hurt a lot.

Riki held her hands and caressed the back with his thumb. It pains him to admit it but he missed her touch. Holding her warm hands brings so much nostalgia, he could feel himself crying out of happiness. He can't believe it, she was alive. Finally, after six whole years, he found her again. They met again. . . All of a sudden he wants to climb a mountain and tell the world how thankful and relieved he is.

Although he felt a sharp pain in his throat at the fact that she had lost her memories of him, that didn't stop Riki's urge of helping her get them back and as well as make new ones. It's gonna take time, sure. But he's willing to risk it all for her. "Saeyoung, let's catch up-"

"Unnie! C'mon! I gotta get back to our agency, my manager is calling for me." interrupted a cheerful brunette with curly tips. At the sight of a stranger holding her unnie's hands, Myah broke them off and pulled Saeyoung to her side. "Excuse me, but who are you? I don't remember Saeyoung unnie having you for a friend." she said, with her arm linked protectively of her. 

"Miss, let me explain. I-"

"Myah. He's someone from my past."

From there on, Myah's jaw dropped. "Don't tell me you remember everything now."

Saeyoung shook her head. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't. Her past remained a mystery to her. Question marks left every corner, everything was just a blur. She searched for answers but she found not a scrap. Now that Riki has entered her life, she was hoping he would be the key to unlock the doors of mystery. But of course, she couldn't just stand there and let Myah do the talking. "Riki. Let's catch up!" she sent him a wink away and saw him blush.

With the choice of spending her time with Riki, Saeyoung contacted her manager and told her an excuse that she would be visiting her parents today just so she could get off from work and focus on her past. She didn't want to be disturbed now that she has the full day to herself because, by the next, Saeyoung will have a handful of activities to attend to. And if she were to guess, she would probably return home by 3am all worn out.

In Riki's case, he'll be sure to be greeted by a nice scolding from the director and his Kei hyung once he enters the company the next morning. VLADIMIR's debut is just months away and as a professional, his presence is always a must inside the practice room. But as of now, he cared less. He'll just be gone for a day and what's so wrong about that? What are they gonna do? Replace him with a new choreographer? Sure, he could live with that. But there's no way he could miss this chance with Saeyoung.

With tasks stacking up their table, it's going to be difficult to meet up. 

"So explain. How did you survive? I heard you were last seen injured and lifeless. . .?" the male pulled out a chair and gestured her to sit. After separating paths with Ta-ki and Myah earlier, the two decided to go roam around Times Square, currently, they are inside Black Beans for some warm coffee.

"I was. But suddenly I found myself waking up inside a hospital room, clueless about what happened over the last hour. Heck, I didn't have a clue about who I am and who I was. The first person who entered the room was my doctor and as usual, the first thing he does is examine me and my health progress. Frankly, I was doing okay until he announced I was diagnosed with amnesia. He also explained how I was saved and found by a small group of people who were camping out in the wild during my time of the accident."

Riki sighs in relief. So that was the reason why he saw smoke up high in the woods. If only he could meet the campers right now, he'd immediately drop on his knees and express his undying service and gratitude. If it weren't for them, Saeyoung would have been dead years back. And because of that, he was in debt to them. "If you were alive, then why didn't you contact me? Or your friends after being discharged? Didn't you have your phone? Why did you not come back to school?"

Saeyoung's lips formed a thin line. "Since I am diagnosed with amnesia, I was at a huge disadvantage. I mean, how could I recognize my phone if I can't even remember my name?" the girl stares down at the steam of the hotly brewed coffee. "And as much as I wanted to meet you guys again, I couldn't. My parents made me move and transfer to a school in Jeju, they threw out my old phone and bought me a new one, then deleted all my social platforms and gave me a new phone number. They wanted to keep me hidden, as far away from everyone I knew and was close with. They thought you were a bad influence and dragged me into trouble. Keeping me out of the hands of danger was their priority and if that means moving on in life with no memory of you or anyone else from my past, then so be it. I, who was clueless and dumb at that time decided to go on with their plan. I know. . . I know. . . it was unfair for everyone but I gave it much thought before actually deciding. If my relationship with you guys is meant to last a lifetime, then we are sure to be destined to meet again right? And yet here we are now, Nishimura-kun."

Riki snickers. He couldn't help but admire her right now, this wasn't the Roh Saeyoung he knew before. He was facing a different one. Whenever the old Saeyoung spoke, there would usually be a hint of sarcasm and malice but this girl right now? She was more soft-spoken, honest, sincere, and gentle with her words. If Saeyoung didn't have amnesia at all, would puberty hit her hard and turn out to be the girl sitting right in front of him now, or would she still be the same old fierce yet classical girl he once knew? 

The difference really. . .

"I-I guess your right."

The female chuckles. "Now, now, Nishimura-kun. Enough about me, what about you and my other friends? Enlighten me."

"Riki. Please, just call me, Riki." he said before giving her a heads up on how the others are doing. Saeyoung sat and drank her coffee while listening to Riki, she liked how he managed to keep in contact with the ones she was close with after her disappearance.

Nina Makino Hillman - her closest friend, joined JYP Entertainment two years ago. Now that her hard work was paid off, she is now in preparation to debut as the first-ever japanese-american soloist under the label. Haku Shota - otherwise known as Soul is now a choreographer under FNC Entertainment, a part-time mentor in Riki's dance studio and at the same time, helps him manage it. Jang Chaeji - her fellow sister of sarcasm, is a scholar studying under a prestigious school for law, while Lee Mijin is now a university student majoring in arts and film. It amazed the female how he was able to keep in touch with her old friends. Guess they were a close friend group. She'll make sure to visit them every once in a while.

Riki wanted to inform her about Nagi and Koshino but the atmosphere was all so bright and warm around them, he didn't want to ruin the mood by mentioning Nagi's death. And as for Koshino, he escaped that night, yes, but months later he was captured by a member of the FBI's assault team which led to his end. This is a story to save for next time if Saeyoung plans to go down deeper into the subject of her past.

Minutes turned into hours, from small chatter up to loud laughter, Saeyoung felt like she has finally returned home. She could barely remember anything yet but Riki's presence made was more than heart-warming enough to make her feel comfortable and happy. He had small, brooding, and fierce-looking eyes, not to mention his tall height! Staring right into them earlier at Starbucks made her shiver. She thought he was the 'don't mess with me type' or the typical bad-boy next door type which was not just given away by his intimidating looks but his style of clothing. He had on a plain white sweatshirt that was tucked in his black skinny jeans making his legs look more slender than it already is. He had black boots for his footwear and a stylish long black coat that reached right below his knee pads. 

It was not only Saeyoung who was surprised with style and first impressions but, Riki as well. He liked how her hair color remained black but now, she had purple highlights on the right streak giving off a nice edge and rebellious look - something like the old Saeyoung would do. She had on a white sleeveless blouse with a black collar and gold as the color of the buttons, jean ripped shorts, high black knee socks that reach up to her thighs, white converse for her footwear, and a long light-pink coat. The boy has to admit, he likes it. She looks elegant but at the same time, youthful.

"Well, would you look at that, from wanting to become a prosecutor to a model? What a change. I never knew you'd go down that path." the two laughed. "Make sure I get to have free passes to your fan meets."

"Consider it done!"

Time Check; 5:40 pm.

"How about that Takara girl? Didn't you mention her earlier?"

"Oh, Takara? Well. . . she's still in a university. But I think she's planning on becoming a teacher for kindergarteners."

The girl chuckles. "Cute! My heart tells me you two had history. Tell me, how are you guys doing?" she asked looking a bit devilish. "Marriage plans, hmm?"

"We broke up three years ago."

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-"

Riki brushes it off. "It's okay, there's nothing to worry about. We both decided to call it quits since we had very little time for each other back then but we're still friends."

"I see. . ." feeling her phone vibrate, their conversation went to a halt as she visited her contacts and received a message from Mrs. Seo. She looks up to Riki and started to fix her things. "Riki, let's hang again next time okay? I'm so sorry but I have to go, I have something important to attend to tonight." 

"Work important or personal important?" he questions.

"Personal."

The boy hums in response. He didn't want her to leave just yet, he has so much to tell her, and if she leaves now, it'll probably take them another month or two to plan another meet-up. Scratch that, it will take them four months and up since she'll be leaving off America to shoot next month. Time has its ways huh? It's sad but that's their reality now. Oh, how he realized things were much easier back during their high school days, but then again, he won't miss this chance to tell her. 

He won't ask her to reciprocate his feelings, he just wanted to scream it out of his chest and let her know. He screwed up once, he won't do it again. "I'll escort you out." he grabs her handbag and proceeds out of the cafe with Saeyoung following behind.

While walking out to the exit of the mall, Riki was thinking of a last-minute confession. Something short, direct, sincere, and easy to understand. He was trying to avoid making up phrases that would only complicate things but at the end of the day, it was only going to overwhelm her. One way or another. It's not like he had a choice, he has been enduring to keep it in for the last six years and who knows what's going to happen by the next day? Next week or next month?. . . this was his only chance.

"Saeyoung can I tell you something?" he spoke once they have reached the wide and quiet parking lot. The girl signaled him to go on. "I want to tell you that I still li-" Riki was interrupted by the loud honking of a car.

A tall man with black hair and a thin figure hops out of the vehicle.

"Oh hey, Yewang!" the female waves at the male. Yewang gives a small smile and nods in her direction. Saeyoung then turns to clueless blonde. "Riki, that's Seo Yewang." Riki offered a smile in his direction and went on to approach him. "My boyfriend." his smile dropped and stood in his position speechless, his shoulder feeling weak and drowsy.

Boyfriend?

Riki watched as Saeyoung approached the man with a soft smile and loving eyes. The way he kissed the tip of her forehead and tucked her hair behind her ear, the way she threw her arms around his torso and buried her face into his chest, the feeling of jealousy couldn't miss the chance to wash over him. With his hands now balled into fists, Riki watched how Yewang peppered the girl with kisses. If only he was the one to do that, it would have felt much better. 

"Shall we go now? My parents are waiting." 

"Hold on for a sec." she lets go of Yewang and runs back to Riki. "Hey, thank you for today. I'm really glad that fate brought us together again. I miss you so much, Nishimura Riki." the blonde felt his heart soften. He couldn't be mad at this point, it was Roh Saeyoung. Why would he? The female grabs his collar and leaned up to his ear and whispered, "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."  she gave him a small peck in the cheek and a tender smile before running back to Yewang and hopping in his car.

The girl did lose her memories but she forgot a small detail when she explained how she woke up alive earlier during their conversation. Six years ago, when she woke up inside a hospital, she noticed that there was something written on her right arm. It was a long phrase and the first three sentences were worn off of her skin, leaving the last two sentences behind. Her parents were on their way to the hospital at that time and they might want to clean it off so she decided on memorizing them and writing it on a piece of paper once she's discharged.

Watching the car fled from his view, Riki smiles to himself. He was a loser. She had a boyfriend but his feelings remained the same. When she pulled him by the collar, he thought it was hot. She grew a bit aggressive over the years. And when she gave him a peck on the cheek? He felt alive. He could feel his blood rushing up to his head. . . what an experience. This emotional rollercoaster ride was fun while it lasted.

Was he mad at himself for not fessing up earlier? Absolutely.

 Is he another fuck-up douche? Definitely.

Did he regret going on that crazy rollercoaster knowing it's up and downs? Not at all. 

Is he willing to let the love of his life go? That question remains unanswered. . .

"But I will forever be with you until I die" those lovely words lingered in his ears. It would be nice to hear it all over again. Sigh, if only he could stop time and go back from the very beginning. He could have changed everything, but this was how it is. From a fierce young teenager to a sweet woman. What an unexpected twist. Who knew right?

FIERCELY SWEET

the end.

_____________________________

another story complete!

thank you! thank you! thank you! so much to everyone

who stayed from the beginning up until the end, i'm very

touched by your love and support and that's how i was

able to finish my second book.

i could feel the disappointment when some of you learned

that saeyoung and riki did not end up together, well. . . .

s u r p r i s e !

i intended that end up from the very start of the story hehe!

so sorry to disappoint the readers but at least now you guys

know that in my future stories, the leading girl wouldn't always

end up together with the leading boy, it just doesn't make

sense for me. sorry but i like to be more realistic. and besides!

it makes my endings unpredictable, i don't want people to say that

"it's [ insert name of idol ]'s story, of course, they will end up 

together no matter what"

no. just  n o

sure, the story would be about the relationship

between the leading male and female character, but it

doesn't mean that they SHOULD be together in the end.

it's shouldn't always be about the power of love, but the

lessons learned from the journey and how much you have

developed into this type of person.

a few people would continue to be blind and 

hope for something far-fetched if you won't give them

a proper awakening or a disappointing outcome.

anyways, thank you so dang much everybody!

i love you all from the very bottom of my heart ♡︎

see you in my next story ;')