when the dream is not enough
1336 Words
After realizing it was just a dream, I clutched my chest—there was a pain that nearly tore me apart.
I wished it hadn’t been just a dream.
At the university, I met my friend Song, who had been both my and Rin’s friend since our first day. Beside him stood Maya.
Song: How are you?
Kaito: Ah, I’m fine.
Maya: But you don’t look fine. Did something happen?
Kaito: No, no... It’s just that Rin’s death is still hard for me.
Song: I know. It’s still hard for us too.
Maya: Yes, but we shouldn’t let it affect us. We have a project to finish.
Kaito: About that... I won’t be participating.
Maya: Why?
Song: Maya just said not to let grief affect us, so don’t make excuses.
Maya: You and Rin started this project and stayed up all night designing it. You have to finish it—for her.
Kaito: You can continue without me.
Maya: So that’s your final decision?
Kaito: Yes.
Song: But—
Maya (interrupting): No, he won’t listen no matter what we say.
Song: Then what should we do?
Maya: Maybe Wang can convince him.
...
After class, I found my friend Wang waiting for me.
Wang: Hey, Kaito.
Kaito: Hey.
Wang: I heard you decided to quit the project?
Kaito: Yeah. I just can’t work on it.
Wang: Because it reminds you of her, right? But that’s a form of cowardice.
Kaito: Every time I see something that reminds me of her, my chest tightens.
Wang: If memories hurt you, why don’t you run away from them?
Kaito: If running were easy... how?
Wang: Leave this college. Move to Seoul. Get rid of all these memories.
Kaito: I...
Wang: At least you’re thinking. That’s good. If I were you, I’d finish the project, then transfer to a university in Seoul.
Kaito: You seem excited.
Wang: Of course! I’m leaving this city, going to meet beautiful girls and celebrities—maybe even get their autographs or numbers!
(An angry voice behind us)
Maya: And you forgot you’re already dating someone? I brought you to convince him, and you talk about girls?!
Wang (nervously): Maya! I was just trying to cheer him up... How could I look at other girls when I already have the most beautiful one?
Song: Too late, buddy!
(After a brutal beating)
Kaito: Rest in peace, dear brother Wang... but don’t come back too soon.
Maya: So, what do you think, Kaito?
Kaito: Okay... but I’ll just be an assistant. I’m not going to Seoul.
Wang: That’s the spirit! Let’s get started!
Maya: Who said you’re part of this? Who let you write your name down?!
Song: Great, Wang’s with us. Maya and I agree. But if you change your mind, let us know.
Kaito: Alright, let’s go.
Maya: How is this possible?
Song: Like I said, we can’t convince him now, but maybe with time...
Maya: Alright, let’s go.
...
I went back home, showered, studied, exercised a bit, then slept.
And for the second day, I didn’t dream of Rin...
Kaito: I didn’t dream of her today either... Was that a goodbye? What’s on my schedule today? Oh, the project!
...
(Two months of hard work passed)
We celebrated at Wang’s house after finishing the project.
Wang: Finally done! After two months of work, it’s party time!
Everyone: Let’s celebrate!
Kaito: I can finally go back to a normal life.
Song: Yeah, a life full of chasing grades and routines!
Maya: At least he’s not at the bottom of the rankings.
Wang: I’m ranked eighth!
Song: I’m ninth!
Maya: I’m fourth, and Kaito is second. You two are beneath us.
Kaito: Yeah, maybe you guys should work harder.
Wang: Look who’s talking! The guy with bad grades in high school!
Kaito: But I improved in my second and third years!
Wang: Yeah, to tenth place! Such progress!
Song: Well said, Wang. He evolved from “mediocre” to “slightly better!”
Maya: Haha, yes!
Kaito: Now you’re laughing too?
Maya: I couldn’t help it...
Kaito: How were you in high school?
Maya: Always between second and third place.
Wang: Yup, that’s my girl!
Maya: Thank you, thank you.
We spent the night laughing and joking. We sent the project to private colleges to see if it would be accepted...
...
(Three months later...)
Professor: Alright, I’ll announce the names of those whose projects were accepted: Maya, Wang, Song, Chi, Koto, and lastly, Kaito.
Kaito (surprised): What?!
Professor: You were the last to submit, but your project was requested by several colleges and was selected. Well done!
Everyone: Awesome!
Kaito (after they left): Why me too?
Maya: Because you deserve it.
Kaito: But that wasn’t our deal...
Wang: We didn’t want your effort to go to waste. You and Rin designed this and stayed up for two weeks just to draw the plan!
Song: And that’s enough.
Wang: If you want to forget her, fine. But this project must bear fruit—it’s meant for both of you to go to Seoul, just as she wanted. You owe her that.
Maya: And for that reason... I love you.
Wang: You were amazing! Hey!
Maya: And I instantly stopped liking you.
Kaito: Excuse me, I have lectures to attend.
...
(End of the first semester)
Wang and Maya visited relatives, Song went on a trip, and I visited Rin’s grave from time to time.
Kaito: Time to sleep... I miss you, Rin. And the longer you’re gone, the more I miss you.
I promised not to ask you why you left.
Just promise me that when we meet, it’ll feel like we were never apart.
...
(In the dream)
I saw Rin holding my hand, leading me to a place where the moon gradually faded... until it vanished.
I went to her grave.
Kaito: What does this mean, Rin? I don’t understand you anymore...
...
(End of the year)
Maya: The year is finally over!
Wang: Yeah, I can finally sleep in peace!
Kaito: Look who’s talking! The guy who ranks last every year!
Wang: This time I’ll be fourth!
Song: So confident, wow.
Kaito: We’ll see...
Maya: We need to prepare for the Hanyoung University exam.
Song: What’s it called?
Maya: Hanyoung.
Kaito (to himself): Isn’t that Misaki’s university?!
...
(After moving to Seoul)
Maya: Whew, we finally made it to our house in Seoul!
Wang: Yes, and I’ll live right next to you, sweetheart.
Maya: No! You’ll live with Kaito and Song. We’re just nearby.
Wang: It’s a shame to be apart from you...
Maya: I told you to stop!
...
(First day at university)
Wang: The university is amazing!
Maya: Yes, I hope we make lots of new friends.
???: Kaito? Is that you?
Wang: Who’s this pretty girl?
Maya: Do you want to die?
Wang: My bad!
Kaito (to himself): Yes, it’s Misaki...
Kaito: Yeah, it’s been a while.
Misaki: It’s only been half a year! So, you’re the new students?
Kaito: Yes. These are my friends: Maya, Song, and Wang.
Misaki: Nice to meet you all.
Kaito: And this is Misaki.
Misaki: You study here? Who would’ve believed in you, the math failure?
Kaito: Those tests were hard. You and Rin made them, and I was still bad at math.
Misaki: Maybe because you were a fool?
Kaito: Now I’m ranked first.
Misaki: Then my grade will drop since you’ll take second place.
Wang: You’ve got competition!
Misaki: Competition? I don’t consider him that. I always beat him by a huge margin.
Maya: Oh, so you were Kaito and Rin’s high school friend? Rin told us a lot about you.
Misaki: Yes. Welcome. Classes are starting—let’s go.
...
(In the dream again)
I woke up in my high school classroom...
Kaito: Another dream?! I’ll do something I’ve always wanted to do...
(shouts out the window)
Kaito: I hate this school!
(Prepares to jump)
But someone grabs me from behind:
???: What the hell are you doing, you i***t?!
- Writer
