Let Me Be The One

Chapter 1

Third Person's POV

*Flashback*

“Seojun,” she weakly called him. She's lying on the bed with him beside her. The two of them were alone in a house somewhere in Jeju Island, where they ran away.

The doctor already told them that she won't be able to survive her sickness anymore as it got worse. That they have no other choice anymore but to wait for her to go.

And she knew, it is now her time… she is just preparing to leave.

“Yes? Do you need something, Shaira?” he asked as he held her hand a little tighter. Little did he know that she's already speaking her last words.

“I am sorry,” she gently squeezed his hand. Feeling his warmth for the last time.

“Why? You did nothing wrong.” He’s clueless and confused about what she's saying. “What are you apologising for?”

“I'm sorry I couldn't keep my… promise,” she looked apologetically in his eyes, “Please go back to Seoul. I want you to meet my parents and tell them that I'm sorry, and I love them so much. You too, please do not lose your beautiful smile and always be happy,” she forced a smile. Her lips are as pale as ever.

“What? Why?” He got mad, “No. Why are you saying this? Stop it, Yoon Shaira. It's not funny,” but he can't be mad at her for real.

“Can you come closer?” She slightly pulled him, and he leaned closer, expecting her to whisper something in his ears, but she gave a peck on his lips instead. She gave her last kiss to him, “I love you…”

“I love you too, Yoon Shaira. Forever.” He caressed her cheeks and gave her a deep kiss on her temple. He heard her exhale as she genuinely smiled. Furthermore, he smiled back and noticed her hand lost its grip on his hands. That exhale was her last breath. Her heart stopped beating. She died in his arms. “Shaira? Hey? Wake up!” He gently tapped her shoulders and slightly shook her, hoping that she'd open her eyes again, “No, Shaira, please come back! Shaira. No way. You can't do this. Come back to me please, please,” his tears are flowing endlessly.

Mara's POV

*Present time*

It's the beginning of a new school year. This year's my last year as a Junior High School. I'm having second thoughts about attending the first day. I'm a transfer student with no one to count on. Furthermore, I feel terrified, isolated and invisible. Not only that, but I came to see the school a few times now, but it's still very unfamiliar to me. The wide school ground, high buildings, and the students… all are different from what I am used to. For me, these are enough reasons to back off and give up on the new world that seems to eat me.

It was just the right time to arrive at school. I didn't struggle in looking for my homeroom because of the school employee that guides new students.

“This will be your homeroom for the rest of the year, Ms. Yoon,” the school employee said. “Good luck,” she added before leaving, and as a way of saying thank you, I bowed.

“Phew! I can do this,” I tried to cheer myself up as I took the first step to go inside.

Upon entering, I felt very little. All of their attention was on me. I seemed magnetised by their eyes. I see sharp eyes on me. “Maybe because I'm new,” I thought.

I scanned my eyes through the room to find a vacant seat when a boy came so suddenly. “Hi! I'm Seokmin,” he introduced himself. “You're Yoon Mara, aren't you? The transfer kid?”

“Yes,” I responded shyly, “Hello Seokmin. Just call me Mara.”

“So cute,” he whispered with a smile, “Okay then, sit beside me!”

As soon as he finished what he was saying, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me to follow him.

Despite the shock that he gave me, “An emergency friend, indeed,” I told myself.

The bell rang. Indication that the classes should start. At that point, I felt a little lighter because of him. He never stopped talking until I found myself talking and telling stories too.

We became closer in just a few moments. We had a lot of time since our first subject teacher was still on vacation overseas.

“So, you're from Busan?” he asked.

“Did I mention that?” I giggled.

“Hey, you just did!”

“Oh really? I can't remember,” I teased him with an annoying grin.

“Wait, what?” He’s completely confused. “Didn't you mention it?!” He scratched his temple and began doubting while looking at the ceiling of the classroom.

I laughed at his cuteness.

“Aish, you're fooling me!” he shouted while pointing at me. I shook my head while wearing an innocent face, but ended up laughing at him.

He then started running towards me but with a fast reaction, I ran away at full speed. Both of us ran all around the room giggling.

The whole class is eyeing us. If a while ago I felt very little, now I've gained some confidence. That feeling of awkwardness blew easily thanks to Seokmin’s charm.

In a bit, he stopped chasing. I also stopped running, but I continued walking backward to watch out for his next move.

“Hey! Seokmin. Tired already?” I teased him, but his face focused on something. I took another step backward, “Hey, what's wrong with you?” but as I continued taking steps, I felt something. Wait, was it elevated? “Oh my gosh.” I'm falling.

I could hear gasps from my classmates, but I chose to close my eyes, preparing myself from hitting the ground.

But…

Why am I not feeling any pain?

Without knowing anything, I slowly tilted my head upwards, and I saw a man's chin. I saw nostrils and long eyelashes. His cheeks were also notable. And his lips, they're the nicest pair I saw. I'm certain, with clear eyes, I can say that this man is good-looking.

“Woah, he's so tall,” I whispered in awe.

I happened to notice and read his name tag, “Kim Seojun.”