19

✂--------------------------------------------------------🎶 Song of the day 🎶

죽겠다(Killing Me) - iKON

-----------------------------------------------------------

-R A Y E O N-

The four of us sat in silent as the only sound that could be heard was the sound of crickets outside and some croaks from the frogs as I fiddled with my fingers, still trying to calm myself down after a long period of crying.

Bomin seemed confused but remained calm like he usually is even after hearing my crazy explanation.

I can still feel Kai's eyes glued on me as he brought up his hand and grabbed mine, caressing it before he took a deep breath in.

"Actually grandfather.... What she said just now is true and actually... I'm her angel that will guide her. I am just bad at this but I need to tell you the truth because I feel that you knowing that Rayeon is actually your lost grand daughter would be right because Rayeon here.. Has been talking about her grandfather that she love and missed so much. Please keep it a secret among the four of us, for the sake of Rayeon because she might be in major danger if anyone else knew she reborn as a matchmaker actually "He blurted out the truth, backing me up as my heart started to beat fast, afraid that grandfather still won't believe me.

I can't blame him though but if I'm in his shoes, I'll probably also do the same and call myself crazy and send me to a mental hospital. All of this is crazy to believe but true.

"I...don't know what to say but it would take time for me to process with all of this. But nevertheless, I'll help you...Choi Nailee "

I lifted up my head immediately upon hearing that name as memories started to rush in my mind slowly, rewinding it all like a 90's movie.

"My name is... Nailee? Choi Nailee?" tears brimmed up in my eyes as he nodded and smiled.

For the first time, he opened his arms wide for me to hug as I came closer and hugged him, feeling back his warm grandfather-like hug.

"By any chance, How old am I actually if I'm not dead? " I questioned them after pulling away slowly from the hug and the angel glanced at me.

"Do you want me or the others to tell you how old were you actually because I actually know all your past life data "he chuckled.

"Just tell me already "

"this year, you're well umm... Actually... 27 years old "

"WAIT BUT WHY AM I STILL SINGLE IN THAT PAST LIFE WHEN I'M ALREADY 27-I WOULD  ALREADY BE MARRIED AND HAVE A SON AND DAUGHTER IN THAT AGE LIKE ANYONE ELSE"I yelled as Kai covered my mouth, chuckling nervously.

"How confident of you to expect you'll have a son and a daughter on that age already, who knows you'll get two sons or two daughters "he whispered half yelling at me.

"you both should go to sleep now because it's almost 1 am and you're going to go back to Seoul first thing in the morning "my grandfather spoke up as we both nodded our heads.

We excused ourselves to leave the room and that's when the angel took his chance to spare me a minute before I can go sleep in my own room.

"Rayeon-ah...actually telling your real identity and my own identity to anyone else never crossed my mind but I suddenly....feel good thanks to you too. And though you're supposed to not be reminded of your past live connections or identity, you still did it which no one ever did that actually since they prefer moving on and do their job as a matchmaker " He chuckled as soon as he finished his sentence and all I could do was pat his shoulder with a small smile when a question suddenly crossed my mind, fast like a lightning.

"Kai... How about the '1-year life'? Is my soul going to be taken away once this year is over? I mean...there's only a few days left until Christmas and new year "I gave him the question that's in my mind.

"Well.... Since you're no longer a matchmaker but instead you're the official soulmate of your client....then it means that you're a normal girl. It's equivalent to reborn again in a certain age, with your same personality and also your memory of your past life too but with slightly different features. You live just like a normal person and you won't stay on earth for a year like what I described in the first place, but that's because you're a matchmaker before. However you still need to remember that if he dies, so do you. But if you die, I don't care because he won't though" he grinned as I took a sharp breathe in and saw a wood left beside me as I picked it up on my dominant hand which was the right one.

While on my left hand, I curled it into a tight ball and show him both my hands.

"do you want my left hand.... Or my right hand? Up to you "I threatened him, smirking evilly to scare him and of course that poor angel freaked out but decided to hide it but ended up shaking as I kept on coming closer to him.

"I-I take that back and why are you bullying me? Humans should not bully us angels! Why would a devil like you want to hurt a pure innocent angel?" he stuttered and that made me cackled at his words.

"I'm a devil now? Okay so let's finish this annoying angel for good "I teased him and that made him yelped as he ran away fast with me chasing from behind.

. . . .

"Hey where's Beomgyu and Kai? We're late now already and we're supposed to get to the station few minutes before it departs "I asked Taehyun who's helping Bomin arrange our luggage in the bus 'bonnet' that was located on the left side of the bus instead of at the back of the vehicle just like cars.

"They just finished showering because they both woke up late. They're probably still in our room "he answered as he closed the bonnet with the help of Bomin too as they both hugged each other since that's the way how Taehyun thanked any of us.

I thanked him and rushed to their room, didn't want to waste any time so I slide opened the door fast.

Both pair of eyes stared at me right in the soul as I stared at them back.

The two of the guys are still not dressed fully and they only wear jeans on but still is half naked since they haven't wore anything on the top.

Beomgyu stopped on his tracks just now right when I slammed the sliding door open while Kai turned around, looking at me while holding a shirt on his hand. My face heated up really fast for the first time in history as my brain started to stop functioning.

The next thing was nothing that I expected but the angel suddenly let out this really high pitched scream, so loud and high that you could mistaken him as a dolphin as he covered his chest using his shirt.

"A-AH -AH... KAI CUT IT OUT BEFORE I CUT YOUR MEATBALLS OFF AND GRILLED IT BEFORE SERVING IT TO THE ARMY OF ANTS "I yelled, trying to fight back his scream.

He paused for a moment and at that second, I just realized my choice of food word just now seemed to sound wrong and that's when he started screaming again.

"YAH IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK OF UMM STOP SCREAMING AND QUICKLY WEAR THAT DAMN SHIRT OF YOURS OR I'LL NOT TREAT YOU PINEAPPLE PIZZA WHEN WE ARRIVE "I cried, now closing my ears and looking away from him but the problem was that Beomgyu is on my view now since he suddenly moved to my view.

He slowly bend down to the small table and grabbed his shirt in a slow motion, fanning it one time before he grabbed the ends of his shirt to wear it.

He stopped and I caught him peeking at me, making me wonder if he purposely slow down his movements just to tease me and show me his upper part of body.

"Choi Beomgyu please fast forward your movements because we're late now already "I mumbled so loud for him to hear and finally, I turned around and left both those guys finish their business.

I slapped both my cheeks, scolding myself for not thinking about them waking up late.

Of course they'll be changing at that time since they just finished their shower.

I hopped on the bus as soon as I arrived at where the bus was and sat beside Yeonjun who gestured me to sit next to him on the two seated place.

I rubbed my arm, trying to warm and also calm myself down as Yeonjun brought up a hand and placed it on my forehead.

"Yah! Are you feeling sick because your temperature is really hot now "he asked in the most concerned voice as I turned to look at him and shook my head.

"I'm fine don't worry Jun.. I'm perfectly fine" I convinced him though I am not fine about the fact that this was my first time seeing a man half naked right in front of my eyes.

Not one but two and I don't even know if I should say my eyes were blessed or my innocence was ruined.

The two boys who I wished I don't want to look at now, came in the bus as I tried to avoid gazes as possible or my face would be red as a red blood cell and burst any minute by now.

"Hyung... Let me sit with her "Beomgyu said and stopped beside Yeonjun's seat.

"How about no? "Yeonjun said as he raised up his gaze at him.

"But hyung.... "he whined as I secretly tugged onto Yeonjun's leather coat a bit making him threw his gaze at me, as I tried to tell him to not let him take his seat.

"Rayeon seemed like she also don't want to let me go so just go find another seat Beomgyu-sshi. It's my turn now"

Beomgyu stared at me in disbelief but of course I looked away, whistling casually and finally sighed out a relief when he finally walked away but sat on the seat behind us which was with Taehyun who sat down, relaxing in his own world with headphones on.

"Taehyun-ah... I'm boring... Let's hug" Beomgyu whined in a loud voice and I could see both of them from the bus round mirror and there Beomgyu is, clinging onto Taehyun's arm with his cheek rubbing on his warm fuzzy sweater.

"Well I don't. Just hug yourself and let me rest in great peace now "Taehyun spoke up in a calm soothing voice but still had his eyes tightly shut.

"B-but... Hyung... I like you... Then just let me provide you warmth by hugging you while you relax "

That mini confession made Taehyun slowly fluttered his eyelids open and pulled his headphones down so it would now rest around his neck.

"I... Like myself too and no thanks, I am already feeling warm and I don't need a human sized warmer to warm me up "He rejected as I chuckled a bit, enjoying the scenario behind us when suddenly Bomin ran fast into the bus.

He stopped once he's beside Yeonjun's seat, panting with his palms resting on both knees.

I stand up from my seat and try to slip past Yeonjun so I can stand in front of the poor guy who's tired of running.

"Bomin-sshi? Is there something wrong? " I asked softly as he straightened up his posture and took my hand slowly before placing this white envelope on my palm.

"What's this?"

He smiled and what made my heart started to beat fast was when I saw those beautiful eyes holding back tears.

He moved his lips, telling me something even though there's no voice coming out but I caught what he was trying to tell me because he's moving it slowly.

'Can I kiss your cheek and hug you? '

I nodded and he hugged me first before giving me a peck on my cheek which lasted for a second or two.

He let me go and walked away as he exited the bus while I took my seat back with the white envelope still in my hand.

He stood outside beside grandfather, not that far from the bus and waved at us excitedly like a seal with that big smile of his that shows his cute teeth.

The bus shuts the doors as the vehicle rolled off slowly first and that's when Bomin chased after the bus for awhile just to wave at us which I waved back too and felt a wave of sadness for some reasons before stopping since the bus is now out of Hwa Ahn-dang's area.

My gaze fell on the envelope as I slowly tore the top and pulled out a nicely folded letter before unfolding it.

To my precious girl Rayeon,

I know we just met and I somehow feel there's something between us. Something special but I just can't put a finger on it but I'm pretty sure I'm right about the fact that I found you really interesting. I found you Choi Nailee, but you're dead already and was reborn as a new person but the same soul as the Choi Nailee I knew and heard from grandfather. I'm pretty sure you're actually starting to think who am I actually to you in your past life but one thing for sure was that you never knew me. Not even my presence but I know you so well that I'm dying to see you face to face and live with you together. I didn't know I have a sister because our parents took me to an orphanage and put me up on adoption when I was really young because grandfather told me that my parents considered me as an 'accident' but grandfather took me in secretly and make me live with our neighbor for the meantime before our parents and you moved to Seoul. I'm sorry that I didn't found you sooner... I'm sorry if I ever did something bad at you from the day you came to us yesterday...I'm sorry for not being able to speak to you and say all of this like a normal person. But please do remember that I'll always love you and I'll be a shoulder for you to lean if your boyfriend hurts you. Yes, I know that Beomgyu is your boyfriend and do come back and pay us visit  sometime too! We'll miss you so much♥

From your real little brother,

Choi Bomin

I felt a pang of sadness and my chest suddenly felt too stuffed that it makes me hard to breathe normally as the tears now finally went down from my cheek.

I reached my hand to see if there's also something inside the envelope and there's a small pink origami heart with a kid's writing on it that read ' please lead me to my noona ' and when I turned it around at the other side, there is another writing but an adult's writing now that read ' I found her '.

"I guess that not only you have a vacation but also found your lost family that you've been searching for hmm? "Yeonjun spoke up softly and I nodded, hugging the letter and the small heart close to my chest.

"Say... Wanna grab some ice cream later tonight? I noticed that the lights to your room is always on up until midnight. By any chance, are you having trouble sleeping nowadays? "he suggested and that's when he took his chance to wrap an arm around my shoulder and pull me closer to him, causing my head to rest on his chest.

"sure and yes, I do have trouble sleeping these days since the day we moved to Seoul. I feel uneasy somehow and I always have this feeling that something or someone is tailing me but I'm not sure. Besides, I have you guys by my side and I think it's not hmm....appropriate in this position? "I was a bit hesitant at the end since I don't want to sound rude nor show much how uncomfortable I am being held like this.

Especially when my boyfriend is sleeping right behind my seat and didn't notice what's happening.

"I don't think being in this position is an issue about appropriate or not because all I know is that I feel really comfortable and I feel safe with someone this close to me though I don't know if she'll be mine someday or not "

I can't lie but those words that came out from his lips really set my heartbeat fastened like I'm running in a treadmill.

Talking or responding to what he says would just make things more complicated to me because what would you do if a top class handsome like him, acts like this to you and can't stop talking about being more than Best friends from the beginning?

Yet they all still don't know that I am dating Beomgyu except for the angel though.

. . .

My lips curled up into a smile as memories flooded my mind when the Polaroid in my hands brought back so much memories.

The polaroid that Beomgyu took of on the day he asked me out.

I kicked my legs a bit and buried my face in my mattress since I am lying on my stomach now.

Oh how I would like to rewind time so I can feel that euphoric moment again. It feels so magical to me and a first time for me.

I could hear the sound of the frame of glasses being folded that created a small tik sound and chair pulled out from its place.

Not long after that, the mattress shifted and I already knew who was that, it's none other than Beomgyu because he's been in my room to fill out some papers and instead of doing it in his room, he did it in my room on my desk.

I feel a presence beside me and when I turned, Beomgyu is there beside me smiling with his lips formed in a thin line.

"is there anything I can help you sir? "I asked.

"I'm tired, can I have some hugs? "he asked me back like an innocent kid asking for a toy and that made me smile again.

I nodded but before I can do anything, he climbed up me and towered his body above mine making me groan at his heavy weight that's above me.

"Yah bamboo you're not a panda! You're torturing me with your 'hug'. So be a good bamboo and stay as a bamboo, not a panda " I whined and he giggled but he still didn't move an inch, instead he snaked his arms around my waist and hugged me so tight until I couldn't take it and rolled my body so we both are lying down on the mattress instead of him lying down above me.

We were in a laughing mess until I decided to turn my body around so I can now see him face to face.

"Now looking at you make me suddenly want to have some kisses "He puckered up his lips and closed his eyes tightly which I found cute but silly of him too and that's when I left him to go somewhere for awhile before coming back at Beomgyu who's lying down on his side on my bed now with one arm supporting his head and biting his lips.

He's generally now being in his playful mode which was teasing me so he can see me transform from a human to a tomato by seconds like a power ranger transforming into its costume.

I scoffed so he can feel annoyed because I'm not going to fall for his 'charms ' and that's when I threw some 'kisses' on him, showering him with it.

Not ordinary kisses but sweet kisses. The Hershey's chocolate kisses that I've been keeping with me in case I'm in this situation.

"What is this?" he asked, a little bit whine too in his voice.

"Kisses. They're sweet too "I laughed and he made this cute frown face.

"anyway lion-sshi, why did that Choi Bomin kissed your cheek just now? You know that really made me jealous somehow "he sat up from the bed and I could see his upset face now.

"Long story but I'm going to tell you though. Hmm let me think about where to start... "I scrunched my nose, trying to process my brain on how to start my story on what happened last time.

He asked me to sit beside him on the edge of my bed before I began my story and I never left any single detail about it. He was actually surprised too that Kai is actually an angel, my angel who supposed to guide me through my journey and now he's been fitting in with us as a normal human to blend in.

"Choi Nailee... I like that name and should I call you noona now since you're probably 9 years older than me "he smirked and that sent my fist to punch his arm very lightly in a playful way.

"I'm 18 now aish. Wait it's been a year so I'll probably an 19 now since I have no specific birthday but it's been almost a year since I'm here after being reborn "I said and drew invisible circles on my lap.

"Rayeon-ah, you once told me that you can show my red string if I found someone that I assume my soulmate or if the person is nearby. And if my string connects with that person, then my guess is correct right? "he questioned and I nodded my head slowly.

Silence fell in the room and only the sound of us breathing and the aircon could be heard.

"show me my string "

My breath hitched but then I need to show him. I knew this moment would happen someday and I always wanted him to know it but then I'm suddenly nervous.

What if he expected it to be someone else, not me?

"Let's first go to the living room "I suggested and we walked together to the living room with him behind me.

I stopped not far away from the main door and had my back facing the door while he stood in front of me.

"I'm sorry if you're not expecting if it's not the someone you thought of and I'm also sorry if you're dissapointed and-"

"No... I'm 100% sure that I'm thinking about the right person" he said confidently.

I put both my hands behind my back and let out a small sigh before slowly making an X using both my index fingers. I think this was my first time to perform this and I can still remember what the angel told me to do in a text for this 'soulmate check'.

A red string appeared as it glowed brightly making me feel amazed too along side with Beomgyu since its also my first time seeing the legendary red string that really exists.

Beomgyu seemed puzzle and I knew why because I purposely stood near the front door so he won't know directly that it's me who's his soulmate and it would look like the string went past by me as my hands are still on my back.

He suddenly walked towards me and on that moment, he reached both my hands that I hid behind my back and pulled it slowly and gently to my front so he can hold it and see it.

There it is.

The end of the red string tied on one of my finger and the end of the string tied on his finger too. It's connected like the first time the angel connected our strings the night I made an agreement to be Beomgyu's soulmate and make him live in one condition that once he finished the polaroids, our lives are done for good.

"I knew it... "he chuckled.

I started to feel worry if he was actually saying that in a sarcastic way or is he glad about the reveal.

"I have a soulmate...I HAVE A SOULMATE AND ITS YOU! "He laughed happily and that really made me felt relieved as he brought up my hand near his face and left a long kiss on it before letting me go.

He was so elated knowing this but that left me thinking, what if he asked earlier to show him his string but then at that time he is a lost soul and he doesn't have a soulmate?

He'll probably lose hope and hurt himself badly. That night when the angel erased his memories about what happened to him and our fight haunted me suddenly.

What if he remembers it or recalled it?

The string faded away slowly once the doorbell rang indicating that there is a visitor as I signalled Beomgyu that I'll get the door.

My hand unlocked the door and twisted the doorknob before swinging it open to reveal Yeonjun standing there.

He had this dead serious expression on as he lifted up his gaze so we can meet gazes.

He didn't utter a word but instead he grabbed my wrist and yanked me out harshly,  dragging me out of the house's area. I managed to close the door on my way out but that isn't important now.

"RAYEON-AH!" Beomgyu's shout rang in my ears as Yeonjun pointed at the door and that's when Beomgyu started to pound hard on the door. The door knob was turned continuously but it seemed to not budge.

He yanked me more making me turn my body to look forward as he led me to this dark empty alley between two buildings.

He slammed me to the nearest wall and leaned his body closer to me, trapping me also with one hand that was placed on my left side of my head as he neared his face near mine, tilting it slightly.

I let out a small squeak, ready to push him off me but somehow I can't move, I feel weak.

"I'm sorry, but I have to do this... "

"Do what? I'm sorry if I sounded rude but please don't do this to me, it doesn't seem right for us to be like this. Look Yeonjun, I have a boyfriend and he's waiting for me back at home "I confessed what I've hid from him and also Soobin and Taehyun but what surprises me the most was his reaction.

He didn't faze or even flinch a surprise but instead he let out this low chuckle.

"I know that sweetheart, no need to worry about. The thing is that, I actually like you too. I don't know why but you somehow attracted me from the day at the campsite. But then I also not only discovered this feelings but also something really interesting about you...."He pulled out finally but still had his face few centimeters away from mine and tilted his head a bit looking all innocent-like.

"Your identity "

That sent chills down my spine and heart pumping more faster than its usual rate. My eyes widened when my eyes spotted something familiar behind him, on the wall to be exact, smiling at us.

"YEONJUN LET'S GET OUT OF HERE PLEASE, I-I AM SCARED OF SHADOWS "I made up an excuse, trying to make him drag me out of that place because that shadow behind him is the same creature I met underneath the water back in the campsite.

"Oh no need to runaway sweetie. It's safe here, it's just my shadow looking at you "he chuckled and as soon as he said that, suspicion raised as I eyed Yeonjun back in disbelief.

"What do you mean about your shadow?!" I started to lost it and flashbacks flashed in my mind like a movie played in a 5× speed.

I just realized that, every time we hangout... Night or even the day...no shadow followed him. He has no shadow.

"Surprise surprise, gotcha matchmaker "

To be continued...

-Next chapter preview -

He slammed hard his lips on mine as a memory flashed before me.

A memory that shows Yeonjun's memories but from a different perspective. It's like I'm watching all of it happen before my eyes.

-

"Rayeon... Im Rayeon... What are you doing...calm down Rayeon, this is not you...."