haechan x f!reader | past life | inspired by See you in my 19th life
INTRO: Sometimes the lines between the past and present blur, and the memories of past lives seep into the present, creating a tangled web of forgotten promises. What happens when you and Haechan are bound by a vow made in another time? A promise to find each other in every lifetime, no matter the distance, no matter the obstacles. Can love truly transcend time, or are you doomed to repeat the same heartbreak over and over again?"
warnings. Death mentioned
wc. It pretty long but I don't know how many words
NOTE: I am sorry its not read proof but its exams season and I cam barely have time to do something
It’s the year 1950. The Korean War has begun, and the once serene landscape of South Korea is now marred by chaos. Smoke rises where villages once thrived, and fear seeps into every home. The world feels as though it’s been split apart, and for you, life as you know it has been wrenched away.
You sit at the small wooden table in your modest home, the faint scent of cooking lingering in the air. Donghyuck is seated across from you, his head bowed as he stares at the military uniform laid out before him. His lips are pressed into a thin line, the usual light in his eyes extinguished.
“You don’t have to go” you whisper, your voice trembling. You grasp his hands tightly, as though holding onto him might keep him from slipping away.
Donghyuck looks up, his gaze heavy with conflict. “I don’t have a choice, Y/N. If I don’t go…” He pauses, struggling to find the words. “If I don’t go, they’ll call me a coward. A traitor.”
“You always have a choice” you insist, tears brimming in your eyes. “We could leave. Run away. Go somewhere far from here. Please, Donghyuck…”
He shakes his head, his expression softening as he reaches out to brush a stray tear from your cheek. “The war is here, love. There’s no escaping it.”
The silence that follows is suffocating. You want to scream, to beg him to stay, but deep down, you know he’s right.
The sun has set by the time he puts on his uniform. You stand by the door, holding his coat in your trembling hands. “Come back to me” you say, your voice breaking.
Donghyuck turns, his eyes shadowed with uncertainty but filled with love. “I will.” he promises. “No matter what, I’ll come back to you.”
He kisses your forehead, lingers there for a moment as though memorizing your warmth, and then steps out into the cool night. His silhouette disappears into the chaos of soldiers and civilians, leaving you standing alone in the doorway
The days without him are agonisingly quiet. Each passing moment feels like a lifetime.
Life feels impossibly still without him.
Then, one day, a letter arrives—your first from Donghyuck. It’s worn from travel, the edges frayed, but his handwriting is unmistakable.
You tear open the envelope with shaking hands, reading the words over and over:
The days here are long, and the nights even longer. I miss you more than I can say. Every day, I wake up and think of you, imagining the life we’ll build together once this is all over. The soldiers are kind to me, and I’ve made a few good friends. One of them, a man named Mark, is always talking about his kids—his little ones, running around the house, making noise, making life feel full. Every time he talks about them, I can’t help but think of you, and how badly I want that for us too.
Mark says that having kids changes everything. I want to believe him. I can’t wait to come back to you, the thought of it is what keeps me going through these hard days. I think about our future together, how we’ll fill our home with laughter, our own little ones running around—just like Mark’s kids. Maybe we should get to work on that as soon as I return, yeah?
I promise to return soon, Y/N. Until then, hold onto our love—it’s what keeps me going in this darkness.
With all my love, Donghyuck.
Tears spring to your eyes as you reread his letter. The words are filled with such tenderness, such hope. And yet, the more you read, the more you feel the heavy weight of the war pulling at your heart.
Every promise feels fragile, like it could shatter at any moment
Over the next few months, you receive more letters. They speak of daily life in the military, of the fear that hangs over everyone, and the growing tension as the war intensifies. Despite everything, his words remain full of love, and you hold on to them like lifelines.
But even in his letters, there are hints of the strain—the long nights, the worry of the men around him, the uncertainty of what will come next. And yet, every time he writes, he reassures you:
I will return, Y/N.This war will not take me from you.
Months pass, and the war drags on, with no sign of relief. The letters from Donghyuck become sporadic, the tone growing more strained. There are mentions of rumors—whispers among the soldiers—that the enemy may be closing in. The tension is palpable.
Then, one day, you receive a letter that shakes you to your core.
I don’t know when or if you’ll get this, but I need to tell you what’s happening here. There are rumors that some soldiers are being accused of aiding the enemy. It’s a terrible thing, but the pressure is immense. The higher-ups are accusing good men of being spies or traitors without proof. There’s nothing I can do. I don’t know what will happen, but I promise you, I am not a traitor. I am loyal to this country. Please, don’t lose faith in me. I just want to come home to you
I love you, always, Donghyuck.
You stare at the letter in disbelief. Your heart races, the words seeming to blur together. Accused of aiding the enemy?How could that be? The man you love, the man who swore to return to you, who had written to you with such love, suddenly caught in a web of suspicion and lies?
Fear consumes you. The uncertainty of the war, the brutality of those in power—it’s all too much. But you have no way of knowing what’s really happening. You can only wait and pray that the man you love isn’t being torn apart by the very system he believed in.
The days drag on, each one feeling like an eternity. The letters stop. Then, one morning, a group of soldiers arrives in the village. They bring news—news that changes everything.
Donghyuck has been executed for treason.
You can’t breathe. The world tilts beneath you, and you feel like you’re going to collapse right there on the street. You ask questions, but the soldiers offer no answers, only cold, mechanical statements. Donghyuck was accused of being a traitor, and in the chaos of war, there was no trial, no defense. The accusations were enough to seal his fate.
You go to the place where his body is laid out. His face is pale, his body still. The world has taken him from you. The promise, his vow to return, lies broken in the dust. You fall to your knees beside him, your heart a shattered echo of the love you shared.
With trembling hands, you reach for him, your fingers brushing his cold skin. You whisper through the tears:
"Donghyuck, you promised. You swore you would come back to me."
But there’s no answer. The world is still, and for the first time, you realize that even love—no matter how strong, no matter how pure—can’t always defy fate.
You feel the cold weight of finality as you sit by his side, the silence enveloping you. The years ahead of you stretch out like a void. The war takes everything, and the love you shared is now a memory that will haunt you forever.
You die not long after. Some say it’s from heartbreak, others from the toll of the war on your body. But you know it’s something else. You are broken without him. You drift away, the last thing you hear being his voice—a distant echo.
“I will find you. In every lifetime, I will come for you.”
The year is 1980, and life in South Korea is buzzing with change. Disco beats and synth-pop dominate the airwaves, and the streets are alive with colorful fashion—flared jeans, oversized blazers, and bold patterns. In your teenage world, life revolves around school, friends, and navigating the unspoken rules of being a young woman.
You’ve always been one of the girls everyone notices. Pretty, smart, and sharp-tongued, you carry yourself with a confidence that keeps most boys at arm’s length. And honestly, that’s exactly how you like it.
“You should date Sungchan. He’s, like, the coolest guy in school” Miyeon says as she flips through her notebook, doodling little hearts around her crush’s name: Kim Sunwoo.
You snort, rolling your eyes. “I will never date a man. Ew.”
Miyeon gasps dramatically, clutching her chest as if you’ve just insulted her entire worldview. “But that’s what a woman is supposed to do! Find a guy, fall in love, get married…”
“I’d rather die” you say with a dismissive wave, leaning back in your chair.
Miyeon shakes her head, exasperated. “You’re impossible.”
Maybe you are. But you’ve seen how boys act—loud, gross, and overly confident in ways that make you cringe. Why would you ever want to deal with that?
A few days later, you’re rushing through the empty hallway, carrying a precarious stack of textbooks. Your teacher had asked you to bring them to the staffroom, and you were too polite to say no. But as you turn a corner too quickly, the books slip from your hands, tumbling to the floor in a loud, chaotic mess.
You groan, crouching down to gather the scattered books, muttering under your breath about how unfair life is.
The voice startles you, warm and smooth, and when you look up, you freeze.
He’s standing there, holding one of the books that had slid across the floor. His uniform fits perfectly, his tie slightly loosened in that effortlessly cool way. His hair is neatly combed but just messy enough to seem natural, and his smile—it’s disarming in a way that makes your chest feel weirdly tight.
“Are you okay?” he asks, crouching down to meet your eye level.
You nod quickly, your voice caught somewhere in your throat.
He raises an eyebrow, his smile softening. “I need you to say it to be sure.”
“I—I’m fine” you manage to stammer, your face heating up.
“Glad to hear that…”he says, glancing at the name tag pinned to your uniform. “Y/N, huh?”
You nod again, cursing yourself for being so tongue-tied.
“I’m Donghyuck” he says, handing you the last book. “Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too” you whisper, cringing inwardly at how awkward you sound.
Donghyuck chuckles softly, standing up and offering you a hand. You hesitate for a second before taking it, his grip firm but gentle as he helps you to your feet.
“Try not to carry so many books at once next time” he teases lightly, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
You nod, biting your lip to keep from saying something dumb.
As he walks away, you find yourself staring after him, your heart pounding in a way it’s never done before.
“What just happened?” you whisper to yourself, clutching the books tightly.
For the first time, you start to wonder if maybe, just maybe, not all boys are so bad.
After that encounter in the hallway, you started noticing Donghyuck more around school. It was as if he’d suddenly stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight of your world. He was handsome—undeniably so—and his natural charisma drew people to him like moths to a flame.
It wasn’t just Donghyuck, though. You began hearing whispers about the trio—Donghyuck, Renjun, and Jeno. They were legends in their own right, each famous for different reasons. Renjun was known for his sharp intellect and artistic talent, Jeno for his athletic skills and quiet charm, and Donghyuck… well, Donghyuck was the heart of the group, known for his humor, his quick wit, and that unmistakable confidence that made him impossible to ignore.
But above all, they had one thing in common: their beauty.
It was a cool afternoon, and you were walking home alone. Miyeon had stayed behind for a club meeting, so it was just you and the quiet rustle of the wind as you made your way down the familiar streets.
You were halfway to your way home when you noticed two boys from school trailing behind you. Their voices were loud, their laughter harsh, and you tried to ignore them, quickening your pace.
“Hey, slow down!” one of them called, his tone teasing.
You ignored him, clutching your bag tighter.
“Come on, show us what’s under that skirt" the other said, his voice dripping with mockery.
Disgust rose in your chest, your mind racing with all the things you wanted to say to put them in their place. But before you could respond, another voice cut through the air, firm and commanding.
You turned, your heart leaping in surprise. Donghyuck stood there, his arms crossed and an eyebrow raised, flanked by two other boys you immediately recognized as Renjun and Jeno.
The two troublemakers froze, their bravado vanishing in an instant. “N-no problem” one of them stammered, their faces pale. Without another word, they turned and ran off, tails between their legs.
“Are you okay?” Donghyuck asked, stepping closer.
You nodded, still a little shaken. “Yeah, thank you.”
“Do you want me to walk you home?” he offered, his voice softer now.
For the first time in a long while, you didn’t hesitate. “I would love that.”
Donghyuck smiled and turned to his friends. “Give me a second, guys.”
Renjun and Jeno immediately started whistling and teasing him, their voices full of playful mockery.
“Don’t mess it up, Romeo!” Renjun called, smirking.
“She’s cute!” Jeno added with a wink in your direction.
You blushed, lowering your gaze as the two of them walked off, leaving Donghyuck behind.
“So” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed. “Which way?”
You pointed to the right, trying to hide your smile. “That way.”
He nodded, falling into step beside you.
As the two of you walked, the initial awkwardness began to fade. He asked you questions about school, your favorite classes, your favorite music. You were surprised by how easy it was to talk to him, how his warmth and humor seemed to put you at ease.
By the time you reached your house, you realized something that startled you: Donghyuck wasn’t just handsome, funny, and popular. He was kind.
“Thanks for walking me home” you said, pausing at your front gate.
“It was my pleasure” he replied, that familiar twinkle in his eyes.
As he turned to leave, you couldn’t help but watch him go, your heart doing strange little flips in your chest.
Not only was Donghyuck a gentleman—he was also a superhero in your eyes now.
The moment Donghyuck started greeting you in the hallways, your world shifted. It wasn’t just the glances or the way he said your name—it was the fluttering in your chest, the warmth that spread through you like sunshine breaking through clouds. He was everywhere now, flashing that lopsided smile, making the world seem brighter.
Of course, Miyeon noticed.
“So” she started, her voice dripping with smugness, “Miss I Hate Boys finally found one worth liking?”
You squirmed in your chair, avoiding her piercing gaze. “Uhm… maybe?” you mumbled, unsure whether to admit what you were feeling.
Her eyes widened, and then she let out a shriek. “YOU LIKE HIM?!”
Panic surged through you as you clamped your hand over her mouth, shooting daggers at her. “Be louder, why don’t you?” you hissed, glancing around the classroom to make sure no one heard her.
Miyeon pulled your hand away, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Sorry, but seriously, do you like him?”
You sighed, knowing there was no escaping her interrogation. “Yes… okay? I like him.”
She gasped, clasping her hands together as if she’d just witnessed a miracle. “Oh my gosh, this is HUGE! You know what you have to do, right?”
You blinked at her. “What?”
“You have to give him your name tag!”
Your stomach flipped at the suggestion.
It wasn’t just a casual gesture—at your school, giving someone your name tag was like putting your heart in their hands. It was bold, terrifying, and incredibly romantic.
“Miyeon, I can’t” you said, shaking your head. “What if he doesn’t want it? What if he doesn’t like me back?”
She rolled her eyes, grabbing your shoulders and shaking you gently. “Y/N, you’re one of the prettiest girls in school. If he doesn’t accept it, he’s an idiot. He should be groveling the moment you hand it to him!”
Her words gave you courage—or maybe it was the way Donghyuck had smiled at you earlier that day. Either way, you found yourself standing at his lunch table, your heart thundering in your chest.
“Hey, Y/N" Taeyong, a famous senior, greeted with a grin, pulling you back into reality.
“Hi” you replied, your voice a little shaky. Your eyes darted to Donghyuck, who was watching you curiously. “Donghyuck… can I talk to you for a second?”
The table fell silent. Renjun raised an eyebrow, while Jeno smirked knowingly. You could feel their eyes on you, but you forced yourself to stand tall.
“Sure” Donghyuck said, standing up. His tone was casual, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his gaze. He followed you outside, leaving his friends whispering behind him.
Once you were alone, the weight of the moment crashed over you like a wave. You felt your breath quicken, your palms damp with nerves. What were you thinking? What if you made a fool of yourself?
“Is something wrong?” Donghyuck asked, his voice laced with concern.
Your lips parted to speak, but no words came out. Instead, you reached up, fumbling with your name tag. Your fingers trembled as you unpinned it and held it out to him, your gaze fixed firmly on the ground.
The silence was unbearable. You felt like your heart might shatter at any second.
“Oh?” he said softly, his voice tinged with surprise.
You squeezed your eyes shut, certain he was going to hand it back. He didn’t feel the same, did he?
“Y/N” he said again, his tone gentler now.
Still, you couldn’t bring yourself to look at him.
Then, you felt something cool pressed into your hand. You opened your eyes and stared down at the object he’d placed there.
It wasn’t your name tag. It was his. “Lee Donghyuck" it read in neat lettering.
Your breath caught in your throat as you looked up at him, wide-eyed.
“I’ve been hoping for this” he said, his smile soft and genuine. “Would you like to go out with me?”
The world seemed to blur for a moment as tears pricked the corners of your eyes. You nodded quickly, your lips trembling into a smile. “Yes” you managed to whisper.
His grin widened, his own cheeks flushing slightly. “Good. Because I’ve liked you for a while now.”
Your heart felt like it might burst as you held his name tag close, his words echoing in your ears. For the first time in your life, you were certain: boys were gross but Donghyuck wasn’t just a boy. He was your boy.
In that moment, Donghyuck didn’t just hold your name tag—he held your heart, too.
It was a Wednesday, but not just any Wednesday—this was the Wednesday you had your first date with your crush, Lee Donghyuck.
You had spent hours debating your outfit, trying on everything in your closet. Nothing seemed to feel right until you landed on a pair of slightly baggy jeans, a high-collar shirt, and a pair of black boots that gave you just the right amount of height. To complete the look, you threw on a leather jacket. Simple, yet effortlessly cool.
As you arrived at the cinema, your heart skipped a beat. There he was, standing outside, leaning casually against the wall. He was dressed similarly, as if you’d coordinated—black skinny jeans, a plain black shirt, and a leather jacket that made him look like he’d stepped out of a magazine.
When Donghyuck spotted you, his face lit up. He waved enthusiastically, his other hand holding a small bouquet of flowers.
“Hey” you greeted him as you walked closer, trying to ignore the butterflies in your stomach.
“Hey” he replied, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He held out the flowers.“These are for you.”
Your cheeks warmed as you accepted them, a shy smile breaking across your face. “Thank you, they’re beautiful.”
“I already bought the tickets” he said, nodding toward the entrance.
“Wow, you’re so prepared” you teased, and he grinned.
Inside the cinema, you looked at the ticket and raised an eyebrow. The Shining.
“You picked a horror movie for a first date?” you asked, amused but a little nervous.
“I wanted to see if you’d grab my arm when you got scared” he said with a mischievous smirk.
The theater was dimly lit as you settled into your seat, the soundtrack of the movie filling the air, making the atmosphere heavy with suspense. You were already on edge, the tension building in the room with each passing moment. The eerie scenes on the screen didn't help—your heart raced as you gripped the armrest, trying to focus on the plot.
Suddenly, during a particularly suspenseful moment, you felt a presence beside you shift. Donghyuck leaned toward you, his voice a soft whisper in the darkness.
“You okay?” he asked, his breath brushing against your ear.
You jumped slightly, your heart skipping a beat. “Shut up” you hissed, trying to suppress the way his nearness made your pulse quicken. But you couldn't hide the small laugh that escaped you.
It was then that you noticed him stretching in his seat, the movement fluid and casual, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. His arm moved slowly, inching closer to you, before wrapping around your shoulders with a smooth, practiced motion. It wasn't sudden or forceful—it was gentle, as if he had done it a hundred times before, but this was the first time, he practiced with Renjun.
His arm stretched across your shoulders, pulling you just a little closer, the warmth from his body radiating against yours. It wasn’t uncomfortable—far from it—but the sudden closeness sent a slight shock through you.
Donghyuck gave you a teasing smile, his gaze flicking to the screen. "You know, the movie's not that scary" he teased, but his voice had a certain softness, as if the playful tone hid something else.
You hesitated for a second, but with the darkness of the theater and the haunting sounds from the screen, you didn’t push him away. In fact, you found yourself leaning into the embrace, just for a moment.
The movie played on, but the screen’s chilling scenes were nothing compared to the warmth you felt against Donghyuck’s side.
By the time the movie ended, you were both buzzing with energy, talking animatedly about the scariest parts as you walked out into the cool night air.
The streets were quiet as you walked toward the crossing near the theater. The conversation flowed easily between you, laughter breaking through the stillness of the night.
“I can’t believe you screamed during that one scene” you teased.
“Hey, I wasn’t scared” he defended, his grin betraying him. “I was just… surprised!”
“Sure you were” you said, rolling your eyes, the teasing tone in your voice making him laugh
For a moment, the world felt simple, like it was just the two of you and nothing else mattered. But then, Donghyuck stopped walking, his hand gently brushing your arm to halt you too.
“Hey” he said softly, his tone shifting to something more serious. “Can I ask you something?”
You turned to face him, surprised. “Of course. What is it?”
He hesitated, his gaze flickering to the ground before returning to yours. “Do you ever feel like… like you’ve known someone before you even met them? Like, maybe in another life?”
His question caught you off guard. “You mean like a past life?”
“Yeah” he said, nodding. “I don’t know why, but… being with you feels like that. Like we’ve done this before, like I’ve been waiting to meet you again.”
His words sent a strange, warm sensation through your chest, something you couldn’t quite explain.
“I don’t know if I believe in things like that” you admitted, your voice quieter now. “But… it’s a nice idea.”
Donghyuck’s lips quirked into a small smile, his eyes soft. “Yeah, it is, isn’t it?”
The two of you started walking again, the conversation lingering in the air like an unspoken promise. But as you reached the crosswalk, everything changed in an instant.
Out of nowhere, a man came speeding with his car, crashing into you both. The collision was sudden, throwing you both off balance. You fell to the ground with Donghyuck’s arms instinctively wrapping around you, shielding you from the worst of the impact.
Your head spun, and the world seemed to blur as you struggled to focus. “Donghyuck” you managed to whisper, your voice shaking.
He was lying beside you, his arms still cradling you as if shielding you from harm. Blood stained the corner of his mouth, and his breathing was shallow. His eyes fluttered open, finding yours with effort.
“Y/N” he murmured, his voice faint but steady.
“Don’t talk” you choked out, tears streaming down your face. “We’ll get help. Just stay with me.”
His hand trembled as he reached for yours, his fingers curling weakly around yours. “I’ll come back to you, I promise” he whispered, his gaze unwavering.
“Don’t say that” you cried, gripping his hand tightly as if it could keep him tethered to you.
But he only smiled, the corners of his mouth barely lifting. “I always find you… every time” he said softly, his voice fading as his eyes closed.
“Donghyuck, don’t leave me...” you sobbed, your heart shattering as his hand went limp in yours.
Pain surged through your chest, your breath coming in short, labored gasps.
The cold crept in, stealing the strength from your limbs. You knew, deep down, that you wouldn’t survive this either.
As your vision blurred and the world dimmed, you whispered your last words into the still night.
“I’ll find you too… no matter what.”
The world fell silent, and for a brief moment, the universe seemed to pause, carrying your shared promise into eternity:
“I’ll come back to you again.”
The streets were bustling as you made your way to the newly opened café your friend raved about. You had been searching for the perfect spot to work outside of your apartment—a place with just the right balance of calmness and energy. When she mentioned Dream Café, she swore it was a hidden gem.
As you pushed open the door, a small bell chimed softly, signaling your arrival. The scent of freshly baked pastries and coffee wrapped around you like a warm hug. The atmosphere was serene, with soft music playing in the background and cozy seating scattered throughout.
“Welcome to Dream Café, what can I get for you?"
The voice came from behind the counter, where a tall barista with a sweet, easygoing smile greeted you. His nametag read Na Jaemin, and his charm was effortless—bright eyes and a calm aura that seemed to match the café’s vibe.
“Hi, I’d like a vanilla latte, please” you said, glancing at the menu behind him.
Jaemin nodded and leaned slightly on the counter. “Would you like anything else? The chocolate cake’s a favorite.We also have Carat cake which is a carrots cake.”
You glanced toward the display case, where desserts were arranged neatly. The chocolate cake stood out, rich and decadent.
“Sure, I’ll take a slice of that too.” you said.
“Good choice,” Jaemin replied, his hands moving swiftly to input your order. “Feel free to grab a seat. I’ll bring it to you.”
You chose a spot near the window—a cozy corner with a view of the busy street outside. It was the perfect spot, bathed in natural light with just enough privacy for you to focus. Unpacking your laptop and notebook, you settled in just as Jaemin arrived with your order.
“Here you go” he said, placing the plate and cup on the table.
“Thanks” you replied, smiling politely.
Jaemin grinned. “Enjoy your work session.” Then, with a small wave, he headed back to the counter.
Though he was undeniably friendly, you barely gave it another thought as you focused on your tasks. The latte was warm and perfectly sweet, and the chocolate cake practically melted in your mouth. Your friend hadn’t exaggerated—Dream Café had the right atmosphere to keep you productive.
As the hours passed, you found yourself at ease in the café’s calming space. The occasional hum of customers and Jaemin’s faint chatter with patrons added a pleasant backdrop to your work. For the first time in weeks, you felt a sense of peace, as though you’d finally found the perfect haven to balance your hectic routine.
Little did you know, this café would become more than just a place to work. It would be where you’d meet someone whose presence felt familiar, as if their existence was already intertwined with yours.
Days turned into weeks, and Dream Café quickly became your go-to spot. The cozy atmosphere, delicious coffee, and quiet charm made it the perfect place for your work. You’d even gotten to know some of the staff, like Jaemin, who always greeted you with a bright smile, and Jisung, the shy but endearing barista who often seemed to disappear into the background.
Then one day, everything shifted.
You walked in as usual, the soft chime of the bell announcing your arrival. The familiar scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries greeted you, but this time, someone new stood behind the counter. His tan skin glowed under the café's warm lights, and his brown eyes caught yours, holding them just a moment too long.
“Hi, welcome to Dream Café. What can I get for you?” he said, his voice warm and inviting. His name tag read Lee Haechan.
“I’d like a vanilla latte, and do you have any chocolate cake left?” you asked.
“You’re lucky—we’ve got the last slice,” he replied with a smile so radiant it almost left you breathless. Could a smile really have that much power?
You thanked him, taking a seat at your usual spot by the window. From there, you couldn’t help but notice him moving around, restocking pastries, chatting with Jaemin, and attending to customers with that same easygoing charm. You told yourself not to stare, but somehow, your eyes kept wandering back to him.
A few days later, as you settled into your routine at the café, Haechan approached your table with a curious expression. “Hey, mind if I ask what you’re always working on over here?” he asked, setting down your order with a grin.
“Oh, um…” You hesitated, feeling a bit shy under his gaze. “It’s work. I’m a computer scientist, so I’m mostly coding or analyzing data.”
“Wow” he said, eyebrows raised. “Sounds complicated. I can barely figure out how to set up my email without help.”
You laughed softly, his comment breaking the ice. “It’s not as glamorous as it sounds. Honestly, I just sit here staring at my screen half the time.”
“Well, if it makes you feel better, you look really focused. Very intimidating, actually” he teased, leaning slightly on the chair across from you.
“Intimidating?” you repeated with a chuckle. “I’m not intimidating.”
“Sure you’re not” he replied, his grin widening. “But seriously, you’re here so often, you’re practically a part-time employee. Do we get to call you one of us yet?”
“Only if you start paying me in chocolate cake” you shot back.
“Deal” he said without hesitation, his playful tone making you smile.
From that day on, Haechan made it a point to stop by your table whenever he had a spare moment. Sometimes, he’d ask about your work, genuinely curious despite admitting he didn’t understand a word of it. Other times, he’d tell you funny stories about customers or Jaemin, whose antics seemed to keep the café lively.
One quiet afternoon, the café was nearly empty, giving Haechan a rare break. He wandered over to your table again, this time with his own cup of coffee.
“So” he began, sitting down across from you without asking, “is Dream Café officially your favorite spot, or do we still have to work on earning that title?”
You smiled, setting your laptop aside. “I guess I keep coming back for a reason.”
“Good answer” he said, looking genuinely pleased.
Slowly but surely, Haechan became more than just another barista at Dream Café. His charm, humor, and warmth added a new kind of comfort to your visits.Slowly but surely, he became more than just a barista at your favorite cafe- he became someone you looked forward seeing every day
The day was unusually gloomy, the kind that seemed to sap the energy out of everything. The sky hung heavy with gray clouds, and the faint drizzle outside cast streaks across the café windows. You stepped into Dream Café, brushing off your damp coat, and settled into your usual corner by the window. The warm glow of the café lights contrasted with the bleakness outside, offering a temporary escape.
Haechan was at the counter, chatting with Jaemin as he wiped down the coffee machines. His laughter was soft, almost subdued, as if the weather had dulled its usual brightness. Still, every now and then, his eyes flicked toward you. He caught your gaze once and smiled, just enough to send a small spark of warmth through your chest before you turned your attention to your laptop.
The hours passed, the café slowly emptying as the drizzle turned into a steady rain. You lost yourself in your work, the gentle hum of the coffee grinder and the low murmur of soft jazz creating the perfect background noise. Occasionally, you’d look up and see Haechan bustling around—restocking pastries, adjusting the thermostat, or clearing tables. Once or twice, you thought you caught him glancing at you, but it was hard to tell through the dim lighting and raindrops on the windows.
As the evening wore on, the café grew quieter. It was just you and a couple seated near the entrance. The rain outside intensified, now a rhythmic patter against the glass. You glanced at your watch, realizing how late it had gotten, but you couldn’t quite pull yourself away from the work still left to finish.
When the couple finally left, Haechan began wiping down their table. You felt his eyes on you again, and this time, when you looked up, he didn’t turn away. Instead, he walked over, a warm yet hesitant smile on his face.
“Hey” he started, leaning against the chair opposite you. “Still working?”
You nodded, rubbing the back of your neck. “Yeah, I lost track of time. I didn’t realize it was already so late.”
He glanced outside, where the rain was now coming down in sheets. “It’s pouring pretty bad out there. Do you have a ride home?”
You hesitated, looking out at the wet streets. “No, I was just going to call for a cab or something.”
Haechan tilted his head, his smile softening. “I could give you a ride. My car’s parked just around the corner.”
You blinked, caught off guard by the offer. “Oh, I don’t want to bother you. It’s out of your way, I’m sure.”
“Not at all,” he assured you. “Besides, I wouldn’t feel right letting you head out in this weather on your own.”
You studied his face, noting the sincerity in his eyes. “Are you sure?”
He nodded, grabbing a chair and sitting down for a moment. “Absolutely. Besides, I’m off in ten minutes, so it’s perfect timing.”
A small smile tugged at your lips. “Okay. Thank you, Haechan. I appreciate it.”
“No problem,” he said, standing up and glancing at your laptop. “Just don’t let your boss know you’re this dedicated, or they’ll start piling on more work.”
You laughed softly. “Noted. I’ll keep my workaholic tendencies a secret.”
Haechan returned to the counter, finishing up his closing tasks while you packed up your things. When he was ready, he grabbed his coat and umbrella, holding the door open for you as the two of you stepped into the rainy night.
The ride home was quiet but comfortable, the sound of rain against the car windows filling the silence. Occasionally, you’d catch him glancing at you from the corner of his eye, and you couldn’t help but feel a little lighter despite the gloomy weather
The rain had stopped, but the unease in the air lingered, wrapping around you like a cold embrace. That night, sleep came slowly, like a pull that took longer than usual to break through your conscious thoughts. When you finally slipped into slumber, your mind carried you away to a different time, a different life—one that felt both distant and familiar at the same time.
The first dream was peaceful.
You were older, you found yourself in a small, cozy house, the sunlight filtering through the windows in soft golden hues. The air smelled of fresh herbs and home-cooked meals, a quiet and comforting routine.
You were married—happily married to Haechan. You could feel the warmth of his hand in yours as you sat on the porch, the world quiet around you. His laugh filled the air, easy and carefree, and you found yourself smiling at his every word, every touch. You shared simple moments: laughing together over meals, holding hands during walks, and spending long evenings sitting in front of a fire.
This is what happiness feels like, you thought to yourself as you stared at his face in the glow of the firelight. He looked at you with such tenderness, and the love between the two of you felt endless.
At first, you thought you were going crazy, that your little crush on Haechan was starting to turn you into a delusional version of yourself. But then each time you closed your eyes, you found yourself in a different place, a different time. But somehow, they felt familiar, like pieces of a puzzle that belonged together, but the image wasn’t fully clear.
One night you found yourself standing in a dimly lit room, its walls cracked and stained with the remnants of war. The air was thick with smoke, and the distant sound of artillery fire echoed through the hazy sky. It was the Korean War, but something felt... wrong. You weren’t supposed to be there. The world around you seemed to be falling apart, yet you stood in the middle of it all, strangely calm, as though you had lived through this before.
And there, across from you, stood him—not Haechan, not the playful barista from Dream Café, but Donghyuck, older, battle-worn, and wearing a military uniform. His face was different, yet his eyes—those familiar brown eyes—pierced through the chaos, locking onto yours with a look of quiet recognition.
“Y/N” he called, his voice rough yet tender. You had heard him call your name before, many times, but this time it felt like it carried the weight of years, of battles fought and lost, of time slipping through your fingers.
“Come with me” he urged, his hand outstretched, but you hesitated.
Why does this feel so familiar? And why his name is Donghyuck?
You followed him anyway, stepping through the broken streets of a city that seemed to have once held life, now reduced to nothing more than ash. There was a sense of urgency in his movements, but there was something else, too. A bond. The bond between you both felt unbreakable, like you had always known each other, always been tethered in this strange dance of fate.
“Don’t look back” he whispered, guiding you through the ruins.
But as you ran, you couldn’t help but glance back. The faces of soldiers flashed by, their lives cut short by the cruel hands of war. But none of it mattered. It was him that mattered. Always him.
You didn’t know how much time passed, but suddenly, you were on the ground, the weight of his body pressing against yours, the distant echoes of gunfire fading into silence. His brown eyes looked at you once more, filled with a deep sadness that left a hollow ache in your chest.
“I’ll come back to you” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “I promise.”
“Donghyuck” you breathed, your heart tearing as you reached out for him, but the world around you began to crumble, pulling you away from him.
His hand slipped from yours, and the dream shattered like glass, sending you hurtling into another life.
Then the dreams started shifting again. This time the world was different. The air was warmer, the sky clear and bright, and you were back on familiar ground—back in the 1980s. You could smell the scent of fresh school uniforms and the hum of teenage excitement in the air. You were younger now, walking through a bustling street, the world full of possibilities and innocence. And there he was again.
But now, he was not the soldier you had known before.
He was wearing a crisp school uniform, his hair styled in a way that made him look effortlessly cool, the swagger of youth in his every step. And those eyes—the same brown eyes—caught yours across the street, and for a moment, everything else faded into the background.
His smile was as playful as ever, the confidence of youth radiating off him. But there was something else in his gaze, something you couldn’t quite place.
“Hey, are you ready?” he asked, and the familiarity of his voice sent a rush of warmth through your chest.
And that was all it took. With that smile, that carefree laugh, you felt your heart start to beat faster, something stirring deep within you. The feeling of déjà vu crept up again, but this time, you embraced it.
You walked with him through the streets, the rhythm of his footsteps matching your own. His laugh echoed in your ears, and for a moment, you felt at peace. But deep down, something gnawed at you. Had you been here before?
Your head started spinning, the confusion flooded your mind as the memories shifted, start pulling you through time like a kaleidoscope of fragmented lives. But when it stopped you looked up and you saw Haechan—no, Donghyuck—fall once more, this time in the chaos of the streets.
You couldn’t stop it. You couldn’t save him again. And you felt that loss like a sharp pain in your chest.
You screamed for him, but his eyes closed, and he was gone.
His words wrapped around you like a lifeline, but you knew, deep down, that you had heard them before. And it always ended the same way.
You woke up, your heart racing, the images from the dream lingering in your mind like fragments of a story you couldn’t quite understand. You tried to shake them off, to focus on the present, but the memories refused to fade. Each life felt like an echo of something that had always been.
It wasn’t the first time you’d dreamed of these lives, but it was the first time you realized that each version of him—each Donghyuck, each Haechan—was always the same. And each time, you lost him. No matter how much you tried to change it, no matter how many lives you lived, you could never escape the inevitable.
And as the days passed, the memories began to intrude on your waking life, flashing before your eyes in the quiet moments of your day. You could feel them, feel the weight of every life you had lived, every time you had lost him. You couldn’t outrun it.
You couldn’t outrun the truth.
And as the memories of the past lingered, you couldn’t help but wonder... would this life, this one with Haechan, be the same? Would it end with him slipping away again? Or was there a way for you to change the ending? Were you cursed?
You didn’t know. You thought you were going crazy. You needed someone to talk to, someone who would understand. Chenle, your best friend.
You spotted Chenle at a corner table, already sipping on his drink, his sharp eyes watching you the moment you stepped inside.
Sliding into the seat across from him, you let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding.
Chenle raised an eyebrow. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
You let out a nervous laugh. “It’s worse than that.”
He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “Okay, now I’m interested. Spill.”
You hesitated for a moment before lowering your voice. “I’ve been having dreams. But not just any dreams—memories. Past lives. And in every single one of them… he’s there.”
“Haechan.” The name barely left your lips before you saw the confusion settle on his face. “Or… Donghyuck. He had different names in each life, but it was always him.”
For the first time, Chenle didn’t have a sarcastic remark ready. He studied you carefully. “And what happens in these dreams?”
You swallowed hard. “We always find each other. And then… I lose him.” Your voice wavered. “Every single time.”
Chenle let out a slow breath, tapping his fingers against his cup. “That’s… insane.”
“I know,” you whispered. Your throat tightened. “But it feels so real. Every time I see him now, it’s like I already know him. Like I’ve already lost him before.”
For the first time, Chenle didn’t have some sarcastic remark ready. He just stared at you, the weight of your words settling between you both.
“Y/N…” he started, but then stopped. His fingers drummed lightly on the table, deep in thought. “So, do you think he remembers too?”
You inhaled sharply. That was the one question you hadn’t let yourself dwell on.
What if he didn’t? What if, to him, you were just a stranger?
Or worse—what if he did remember?
What if he was waiting for you to realize it?
Chenle must have noticed the shift in your expression because his gaze softened. “You have to talk to him.”
Your pulse quickened. “What if—”
“No ‘what ifs,’” he interrupted. “If this is real—if he remembers too—you deserve to know.”
The words settled deep inside you. The truth was, you already knew you needed to talk to Haechan. You had known it from the moment you started dreaming of him.
Chenle glanced at his phone. “I have to go, but…” He gave you a pointed look. “You’re staying, aren’t you?”
You hesitated before nodding.
He sighed dramatically. “Alright, but don’t come crying to me if it turns out you’re just obsessed with your barista.”
You rolled your eyes, but his teasing tone made your shoulders relax just a little.
As he got up and left, you stayed behind, staring down at your untouched drink. Your heart was pounding in your chest.
Haechan was standing by your table, wiping his hands on a towel, his usual teasing smirk playing on his lips.
Your throat went dry. Now or never.
“Haechan, can I talk to you?”
He blinked, surprised by your serious tone. But then, something shifted in his expression. Slowly, he placed the towel down and slid into the seat across from you.
For a moment, neither of you spoke. The weight of your dreams, your memories, your entire existence pressed down on you. But just as you opened your mouth—
He smiled. A knowing, almost expectant smile.
“I was waiting for you to remember, Y/N.”
Your breath caught in your throat. The world around you seemed to freeze.
“I—” you started, but the words wouldn’t come out.
Haechan leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. His gaze softened, but there was something else there—something deep, something sad.
“We’ve been here before” he murmured. “Not just here. Every lifetime. Every version of us.”
The air felt heavier. You gripped the edge of the table. “Then… it’s real?” Your voice barely came out as a whisper.
He nodded. “You’re not crazy. I remember everything too.”
The revelation sent a shiver through your entire body. “But why? Why does it always end the same?”
Haechan exhaled, looking past you, as if staring at something only he could see. “Because we were cursed.”
Your heart pounded. “Cursed?”
He finally looked back at you, “A long time ago, in one of our first lives, we did something that angered the wrong people. A love like ours wasn’t supposed to exist, they said. And so, they cursed us—to find each other in every life, only to be torn apart before we could have our ending.”
The words sent a chill down your spine. Images of your dreams—the war, the school, the deaths—flashed before your eyes. So you lived even more than three lives?
“So that’s why…” you trailed off, your voice shaking.
Haechan nodded. “Every time I see you, I hope maybe this will be the life we break free. That maybe, this time, we change the ending.”
Tears welled in your eyes. “But how? How do we stop it?”
His hand reached forward, brushing your cheek, grounding you. His warmth seeped into your skin, a reminder that this was real.
“I don’t know” he admitted. “But I do know one thing.”
You swallowed, eyes locked onto his. “What?”
“I love you” he whispered. “Every time, in every life. And I will always find you.”
Before you could even process his words, his hands cupped your face with a tenderness that sent a jolt of something deep into your soul.
The second his lips met yours, it was like a floodgate had opened. Memories crashed into you, overlapping with the present. The warmth of his embrace in a small war-torn house. The laughter of your teenage selves echoing in the 1980s streets. The desperate reach of his hand as he was ripped away from you in battle.
Every life. Every moment.
Your fingers clutched onto his shirt, afraid to let go, afraid that if you did, he would slip away like he had so many times before.
When you finally pulled back, your eyes met his, wide and searching. He smiled again, his thumb brushing over your cheek.
“I told you I’d come back to you.”
Tears spilled down your face, but you laughed, shaking your head. “You always say that.”
This time, you believed him.
Because this time, you weren’t going to lose him.
Because this time, you were going to break the curse.
