Enchanted
Gwiboon stepped into the ballroom that she was so familiar with yet, it felt so foreign.
It’s the fourth function this year. She didn’t have much of a choice though. Her parents insisted on her attendance. They say it’s to expand her social circle. She really didn’t see the need to since they were leaving for another town in five months time. But she didn’t want to get into another stupid argument with her parents.
She entered the masquerade-themed event with her pretty, soft gold gown along with a carefully gem-ed, yet simple, mask that only covered her eye area. She knew not a single person in the ballroom and made her way to one corner where there was no crowd and hopefully, there wouldn’t be.
Gwiboon is a soft spoken girl. She is not anti-social, but rather independent. She is fine with being alone; she didn’t care what the world thought of her. She just didn’t feel what others thought would actually matter to her. She has a few friends she would consider close. She got along pretty well with anyone and everyone, but it was difficult getting to know her inside out. In fact, no one actually knows her well enough.
She was a typical teenager, living in her own world. She had her fair share of bad hair days, poor results and of course, heart breaks. It’s just, that’s not how the world looks at her at. To everyone, she was this happy-go-lucky girl who seems to have it all. But that’s not the truth, it never was. Deep down she was pretty much a lonely girl, yearning for attention and concern.
Gwiboon pulled out her phone and started texting her friends and continued surfing the net right after. She soon felt a little thirsty and so she went over to the table to get herself a drink. She walked back to her original position with her glass in her hands. She was lonely and a little sad, she’d admit. But nonetheless, she managed to fake smiles to strangers. She really didn’t want to be a party pooper, you know. A few gentlemen invited her to the dance floor, but none attracted her. She humbly rejected them and continued sipping her drink.
She was feeling kind of sleepy and there was about three more hours to go before her chauffeur would come pick her up. She began exploring the ballroom. Yes, she’s been a few times, but she never really explored the place. Her heels were a little uncomfortable but it beats being bored. She slowly made her way up to level three of the ballroom.
*****
The view from the third level was actually kind of, breathtaking. The chandelier, she never noticed, were made so exquisitely. The diamond pieces were all carefully pieced together to form something so beautiful. But people take such things for granted, don’t they? It’s such a pity, Gwiboon thought as she rested her hands on the railing of the balcony at which she was stand at. Suddenly, she heard a noise from behind.
“The view here is spectacular, isn’t it?” the deep voice softly spoke.
Gwiboon nodded unknowingly.
“What is a young and beautiful lady like yourself doing here? Shouldn’t you be dancing with the crowd downstairs?”
Gwiboon turned her head slightly and saw this young man standing next to her. “I’m sorry?” replied a rather shocked Gwiboon.
“I’m sorry, I’m Lee Jinki. I was just taking a walk around and I saw you looking at this chandelier and you just somehow caught my attention.”
“Oh, hello. I’m Gwiboon. This is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. It’s just; I never really noticed it till today.”
“Ah, Miss Gwiboon.” He took off his mask as he turned and look at Gwiboon.
“It’s not your first time here too, right?”
“Well, it’s not. Been here a few times, it’s getting boring. What about you
“My father is the host of this event.” Jinki laughed.
“I…I’m sorry I didn’t mean to be rude.”
“Well, I understand. Actually, I feel the same even though I’m rarely present. Pardon me, but Miss Gwiboon, may I have the honor to inviting you to dance with me
“Well, s-sure. Here?” Gwiboon had no idea why she accepted. But we all knew. She was enchanted to have met Lee Jinki.
*****
An hour passed and the young pair was having lots of fun. It was a refreshing feeling for Gwiboon, she never felt this way in her entire life. She was having so much fun at this party. No, she was having so much fun with this guy she just met. The playful conversation started, they started teasing each other comfortably. He made her felt, for the first time, special.
“You must be tired, come, let us go down and grab a drink. And I’ll bring you somewhere. I’m sure you’ll love it.” He grabbed her hands and brought her down. She could’ve sworn her heart was beating a million times faster than usual.
“Here. Now, follow me.” Jinki smiled. Gwiboon can’t help but realize that Jinki was still grabbing onto her hand. She really liked it though, and she can’t help but blush. She felt her body heating up. She has completely fallen for Lee Jinki. But love at first sight doesn’t exist. She insisted.
But just one night couldn’t be so wrong.
For once, she let her heart rule her head.
*****
He brought her to his tree house that he built with his father when he was young. It was nothing like anything in his house. There were huge bean bags, drawings and more fun stuff in there. But what really was distinctive was the huge telescope that was facing the night sky.
“Wow,” she carelessly whispered. He looked at her.
“You like it?”
Gwiboon nodded. “Can I?” she pointed to the telescope.
“Please, do.”
“It’s beautiful. I’m awed.” Gwiboon said as she took out her heels and threw them on the floor and lay on the bean bag. Jinki lay next to her.
“When I was young, my parents would come up here with me once they come back from their business trips. But as I grow older, as reality starts turning harsher, the time I spent with them got lesser. This place brings back lots of my childhood memories.”
“You don’t get to see them often now?”
“Well, if I’m lucky maybe once a month. Otherwise, it’s just this huge empty house with me alone and of course, with the house helpers.”
“You must feel really lonely, then.”
Jinki smiled. Gwiboon caught the smile.
“You’re such a sweet-talker, Jinki. You must have brought many girls up here, haven’t you?” Gwiboon asked. Anyone could sense the tinge of disappointment and jealousy in the question.
“Actually, you’re the first.”
Gwiboon face lightened up. “Really?"
Jinki nodded.
The next few minutes were a little slurred. But somehow, Gwiboon’s first kiss was stolen. So was her heart. He’s what she’s been searching for her whole life. She’s in love. He’s in love. They’re both irrevocably in love with each other.
Soon it was time for Gwiboon to leave for the night.
The party ended.
Jinki. Jinki. Jinki.
Jinki.
Her thoughts echoed only his name.
*****
They spent the next few months together, they were inseparable. They visited every place together and spent all their free time with each other. They even introduced each other to their parents.
She’ll find him in his office (he works in his dad’s company), and he’ll fetch her from school whenever he was free to do so.
There’s only one thing that can describe how everyone felt.
Envious.
Their love was too genuine, too precious.
Of course, there are times where they argue. But they’re never too afraid to apologize and salvage their relationship. They don’t hesitate showing how much they love each other.
They were crazily in love.
*****
Gwiboon changed into her night gown and was ready to tuck into bed. But before that, she had to hear Jinki’s voice once more. Just once more. She was waiting for Jinki to call her before she goes to bed. She heard someone knocking on her door.
“Come in.”
“Hi honey.”
“Hi mum. What’s up?” she saw her mum walked in with obvious sadness in her expression.
“The letter came today.”
“What letter?”
Oh, the letter.
“You haven’t told him, have you?”
Gwiboon shook her head.
“You have to. There’s only two weeks left. Sleep early.”
Her phone rang.
He called.
She didn’t pick up.
*****
Jinki hasn’t seen Gwiboon for at least three days now. She refuses to see him and he didn’t know the reason. He decided he should ask her parents what exactly was wrong.
“We’re leaving my dear, for at least three years. I’m sorry but it was decided a long time ago. We’re moving to the States. She didn’t tell you about the letter, did she?”
“Can I go up and see her?”
“I’m afraid she might not want to see you right now. She refuses to talk to any of us.” Her dad said.
“I…I understand. I’ll come by again soon. Thank you.”
He walked out of the house. As he was walking out, he saw a tall wooden ladder against the wall. It was just tall enough to let him climb up to Gwiboon’s balcony. It was dangerous but hell; he’d die for Gwiboon if he had to.
He carefully climbed up and over and knocked on her balcony door.
She burst into tears and he held her in his arms.
*****
She finally stopped crying and they were just lying on her bed while Jinki cuddled her in his arms. His expression showed how depressed and hurt he was. Not because of the fact that Gwiboon was leaving, but because how hurt Gwiboon was. Their hearts truly beat as one.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve told you.”
“It’s okay. I know this is difficult. But hey, it’s only for three years. You’ll be back. Or I could go over. Technology is extremely advanced now. We can still see each other daily.” He said as he lightly kissed her long soft hair.
Her tears began streaming down her cheeks once again.
Why is this happening to her?
Where is Miss Independent?
She didn’t know, but he cried along.
He never cried.
*****
They spent the remaining days alone with each other in the tree house where they spent their first night together. They didn’t have to do much to stay happy, as long as they had each other.
She tried to be as happy as she could be but every time she smiles, there’ll be something that pulls her back. Then the surge of unhappiness would rush into her and she’ll start tearing for no reasons. Who said she was too young to know love?
Jinki’s heart broke every time he sees his Gwiboon cried. But he stayed strong. He promised to love and protect her, forever.
But forever was coming to an end soon
*****
The day where she had to go finally came. She waited at the airport, waiting for him to come. But he was no where in sight. Couldn’t be, they saw each other just two days before (he called to say he wasn’t feeling well the day before her flight and so they didn’t see each other). She insisted on waiting for fifteen more minutes even though the announcer was already rushing everyone from the same flight.
Her mum gave up and walked in to the admission gantry. Her dad patted her on the back and asked her to give up if he still doesn’t appear in the next ten minutes.
He’ll be here.
He will.
He didn’t.
She was utterly disappointed and began crying. She picked her bag up and walked into the admission gantry to join her parents.
It’s over, isn’t it?
*****
Almost eighteen hours passed. It was time to land. Gwiboon is ready to start afresh in this new city. Her parents told her to meet them outside once she was done collecting her luggage from the conveyor bel
She felt that her parents were a little weird but just agreed anyway.
She picked her pink luggage up and pulled it out. She was not exactly tall so she had to tiptoe a little to attempt to spot her parents.
When she finally spotted her parents, she realized that they weren’t alone. They had company.
Stood next to them, was a familiar silhouette. It was her favorite silhouette. Tears streamed down her cheeks once again, but this time, it was tears of joy.
It was Jinki.
She ran over to him and literally jumped onto him. He caught her, he always did. They kissed as though they have not seen each other in years. Her parents were partly embarrassed for the young couple and simply stood there and smile.
*****
“I’ve decided to move here and continue my studies. My aunt lives here and I managed to convince my dad to let me come here and further my studies. I couldn’t bear not being by your side.”
Gwiboon hits Jinki on his chest, like always.
Stupid liar.
“I didn’t lie!” Jinki protested.
“Well, you didn’t tell me about it earlier you watched me being so miserable for the past two weeks!”
“It was only decided three days ago. My dad wanted me to take over his business soon. See what I’ve given up because of you?”
“I hate you.” Gwiboon whined.
“I know. I love you more. And I always will.” Jinki said as he rested his arms around Gwiboon’s shoulder.
This was the very first page, not where the storyline ends.
*****
A/N: This is insanely long and I didn’t exactly read through it before posting so pardon all the horrible mistakes. I hope you enjoy it nonetheless :) Comments appreciated, like always!