IU STORIES

twitter: @iustories_

[iustories]

authornim sana kahit hindi kasing hyped ng press play you are on repeat yung still you, always you sana hindi ka madiscourage magsulat. choosy lang talaga ang ibang shippers pero yung story ay maganda pa rin. ang galing mo pa rin. love ka namin and love ko ang stories mo. okay?

hi omg i just saw this huhu thank you so much whoever you are 🖤

[iustories]

Vodka and Danger Never Tasted This Sweet

IU x KSH

The delicious smell of bacon and eggs wafted through the air, calling her to rise from the bed after a long night of partying. She reached for her throat, feeling its dryness from within then swallowed carefully, gauging its condition. She sat up and proceeded to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. Her head was throbbing, hangover catching up to her. She tried recalling the events last night only to retrieve fragments of memories that don't even tell a story. It was a blur. Like all other nights—she blacked out. She ruffled her hair as she swung her door open then went straight to the dining table.

"Eonni, cook extra eggs for me please," she requested then propped her elbows on the table, resting her head on the palms. 

Her best friend, Inna shows up the morning after parties because she obligated herself to cook Jieun's recovery meal.

Today was particularly worse for Jieun since she didn't eat before chugging mouthfuls of vodka and whiskey. Her stomach growled relentlessly while her head felt like it was being split in half.

She glanced over to the kitchen door. "Eonni—what the fuck. Who are you?"

She quickly rose upon seeing a man holding plates in his hands appear from the kitchen. He chuckled then rolled his eyes before placing perfectly cooked fried eggs and bacon on the table. She salivated, hunger intensifying after catching a glimpse of the sumptuous food. He strode back to the kitchen without answering her question to collect the bowls of rice and soup he left there with the help of a tray.

"Eat," he ordered as he sat on the chair across her, ignoring the death stare he's been getting since they met. "You're probably famished. It'll help you recover."

"Ya!" she called him, her lip twitching up when he returned her gaze. "Why are you here? Did you do something to me last night? What happened?"

He sighed then tilted his head. "I brought you home, Miss Lee Jieun. You're welcome."

She frowned. "How do you know my name?"

"That's all you've been muttering since I saw you lying down on the curb." He put down his chopsticks. "I'm Lee Jieun, okay? Lee Jieun. Everybody knows me. I'm a regular here. Lee Jieun," he imitates her, causing Jieun to feel embarrassed yet she still kept a straight face.

"I was passed out on the street?"

He took a piece of bacon from the plate and put it on top of his rice. "Yup. I was about to go home when I saw you. To be honest, I was going to turn a blind eye, but I wasn't drunk enough to not care."

She finally decided to take a seat, but she remained guarded since she doesn't trust him enough yet. She began mentally checking the current state of her body.

Does anything hurt? My arms? My Legs? she asked herself.

"Why didn't you get out after dropping me off here? You didn't call anyone from my phone or whatever?"

He began eating which she found rude. "I was drunk too you know and I got tired from carrying you on my back from the ground floor so I laid down on the bed and—"

She slammed the table, turning livid before he finished explaining. "Mwo? What did you do to me? I will report you to—"

He met her eyes again with such confidence and it irked her. "I passed out beside you and woke up just a few hours ago. I didn't mean to sleep that long." She waved her hands as she changed the subject. "Wait. Wait. How did you know where I lived in the first place?"

"I asked you."

"And I answered?"

He nodded then took another bite of bacon, its fat melting into his tongue, causing him to shut his eyes in pleasure. "Don't worry. I'm not a bad person and I didn't do anything to you last night. After this, I'll get going and you'll never see me again."

He quietly finished his meal while Jieun dug into hers. She would take quick glances at him, calculating his movements. She soon gave up nitpicking because he seemed harmless. Once he finished, he offered to fix the mess on the table and wash the dishes which delighted her since she's lazy to do the chores.

She plopped on the couch and turned on the television while he was busy shuffling in the kitchen, doing all the work. As she settled herself comfortably, the doorbell rang. She scrambled to her feet when she remembered her best friend is coming to cook her breakfast. If Inna sees a man in here, she will definitely believe that she's the kind of person others have been naming her.

She was panicking, her mind running on different directions. Before she could even decide what to do with him, the lock clicked then the door opened, revealing Inna.

"I'm done—"

"Jieunah—"

Great. Just great. Jieun thought.

The uninvited guest came out of the kitchen the moment Inna stepped in to greet her. There was a stretch of silence, making everyone uneasy.

"Ah," Jieun started while rubbing her nape. "He's uh—my friend?"

She was so uncertain that Inna immediately confirmed that he was some random guy she met.

"Annyeonghaseyo. I'm Kim Soohyun," he introduced himself in a calm manner then bowed his head.

"Hey, I'm Yoo Inna." she shifts her gaze at Jieun. "Her best friend."

"I'm sorry to be here at this time. It wasn't planned at all. I'll leave now."

He bowed again then swiftly made his way to the door and quietly disappeared. Inna and Jieun were left standing in the middle of the unit, basked in the deafening silence that soon took over after the guest left.

"So..." Inna's voice sent chills down her spine. Jieun never brought a guy home and unfortunately, her best friend saw the first one who set foot in her unit.

"I'm not seeing him. I don't know him. I didn't even meet him until today. I was passed out in the curb according to him and he couldn't ignore me so he took me home. For some reason, I gave him my address and I probably told him the key was under the mat. Then he fell asleep here cause he was drunk too—"

"Jieunah!" She called her name, snapping her fingers in front of my face.

Jieun stopped rambling instantly then looked at her quizzically. "What?"

"I wasn't going to ask about him. I was going to ask if you've eaten breakfast," she stated, a smile trailing off her lips. "You look so pale. I can't believe you'd think I'd judge you for having a guy over.

"I was just worried that you'd think the rumors were right, okay," Jieun retorted as she rolled her eyes.

"Like I would believe them. I know you party hard and sometimes get a little feisty on the dance floor. Maybe you have kissed some guys before, but I'm sure you never took them home." Inna was teasing her with her eyes. "Well, that's because you're always knocked out dead after the night. It's a feat that nobody bothers to harm you. Your guardian angel must be favoring you a lot."

"Tss." Jieun crossed her arms. "If you want your mornings to be less stressful, you should be the one taking me home. You'll be certain that I'm safe. I hate it when you call me so early to check if I'm still alive."

"I don't want to carry a wasted person. I'm too weak for that. Let your drinking buds take you home. I'm your best friend not your nanny Jieunie."

"Yeah, okay,” she replied while making faces.

"So back to my question. Have you eaten?"

Jieun nodded reluctantly.

"Oh, you cooked? Wow."

"He did."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Jinja? The guy who just left?"

Jieun hummed in response. "He even offered to wash the dishes before he left. A nice guy. Well, it was just creepy that he slept over here but yeah I'm unharmed."

Inna pursed her lips as she tilted her head. "I agree. He seems like a good guy. That part is weird though but if nothing happened to you, then thank God he's the one who took you home."

"Anyway, I'll call Eunji, Baekhyun, and Hanna now. They all left me last night. I need to give them a good scolding."

"Sure. I'll hang around for a few hours to kill time. I have to meet someone after lunch."

--

She hadn't seen the guy since that day. He sure knows how to keep his word. The thought that she'll never meet him again was a huge relief because she's done shameful things on their first encounter.

When she thought his chapter in her storybook had ended, fate found a way to bring them together again. The familiar smell of bacon and eggs woke her from a dreamless sleep after another night of partying, but when she opened her eyes, she realized that she's in a different room. The walls were painted white and green. The door was on the right side. Everything is not in their rightful place. She frantically inhaled the scent of the sheets and panicked further when she whiffed a musky cologne.

No. No. No. This is not it. This is really not my room.

She tipped her head down to check if her clothes were the same and to her shock, she's wearing a checkered boxer short that barely hung around her small waist and an over-sized shirt.

Oh my God. What have I done this time? Who changed my clothes?

She balled her fist into her hair as she attempted to scavenge her memory for clues but failed to capture anything useful.

"I blacked out again," she concluded.

She proceeded to scan the room for her things, but spotted none. However, the picture frames on top of a wooden dresser drew her attention. She cautiously walked and checked them out. Upon seeing the photos, her knees almost buckled.

It's him. That guy again. Shit.

She groaned and shook her head in disappointed. She felt angry for putting herself in another awkward situation. But pondering further, she was more annoyed at him for taking notice again. He should have just left her on the street so the police could take her to the station or something. Well that is if the police finds her first before any other person takes advantage of her.

She debated whether she should come out or climb out of the window and jump to her death from the second floor. The second one seems tempting because all she wants right now is to disappear.

Jieun took in deep breaths to calm herself. "Okay. I'm going to wait until he comes in and then I can sort things out. Sounds good."

But two hours passed and her stomach grumbled like crazy while her head ached so bad that she wants to slam it on the wall to knock herself unconscious. She couldn't take it any longer and exited the room to search for him. He was sitting on the couch watching television with his legs crossed. When he heard the door close behind him, he turned and gave Jieun an amused look.

"Took you long enough to come out," he remarked. He knew she was already awake but only refused to show herself. It's impossible to be asleep for 14 hours without feeling hungry after the kind of night she must have had.

"Why am I here?" She asked, her tone had a touch of irritation in it.

He chuckled. "I brought you home obviously."

"Obviously," she replied in a sarcastic tone.

“I know what you mean, silly. I was messing with you. Don't be so agitated."

"Who changed my clothes?"

Her heart thumped faster as she waited for his reply. She silently hoped it wasn't him or else she'd be traumatized. No man has ever seen her bare. She might have shown some skin with the type of clothes she wore, but it was nothing out of the ordinary. She placed limits on that aspect. 

"Oh I called a friend to do it. She's a girl," he stated plainly. "You threw up on your shirt and I washed it last night. They should be dry by now. It's in the laundry room."

"How did I end up here?"

He shifted his position, propping his arm on the backrest of the couch. He closed his hands to form a fist and rested his cheek there. "Well, Miss Lee Jieun. I saw you walking side to side on the street with your eyes half-open. I was in a nearby coffee shop studying for my upcoming exams. I think you were trying to hail a cab but it wasn't that obvious that you were cause you were flailing your hands everywhere."

His lips quirked when he paused, trying his best to hold off his laugh. "When I got out, you were rambling like an old lady. You said—"

Jieun raised her index finger to stop him from speaking. "No more re-enactments. I get it. I'm sure it was embarrassing, but no more details, please. I wouldn't be able to sleep for the next few days if you let me know."

"Oh, I brought you here because the key wasn't under the mat and your phone was missing so I can't call your best friend. I couldn't leave you in front of your door. It's cold."

She sighed. "That's very considerate of you. Thanks. If this ever happens—I'm sure it won't though—but if it does, please just leave me wherever you found me."

"Okay. If you say so." He went back to his original position. "There's food on the table. Eat."

Jieun gobbled down the delicious greasy meal, savoring every bite. She noted that he cooks good breakfast meals. 

He must have been taught by his mother well, she remarked. 

When she finished, she cleaned up and took her clothes from the laundry room then changed into them. Clearing her throat, she stood tall and attempted to look confident but deep inside she was utterly ashamed. He gracefully twisted his torso then turned his head.

"I lost my phone and other stuff right?" She asked, still hoping he was able to recover her things. 

"I'm afraid so."

She sighed. "Bad luck. I don't usually lose things. Anyway, I'm going now."

Then she bowed, a tad lower than usual. "Thank you for everything. I hope we don't see each other again."

"You're welcome," he replied with a small smile.

--

A month later, he found himself tagging along with his friends after attending a talk for a class. They went to eat grilled beef at a nearby restaurant then spontaneously decided to go clubbing. But it's not just some random club. It was that club.

Her words rang in his head again as he recalled the night they first met, unconsciously bringing a smile on his face.

"Wah, look at Soohyun. You must be dating. You're smiling like a fool out of nowhere," Minho commented, causing his other friends to take notice. They ganged up and teased him until they were satisfied. Defending himself would be a waste of time so he let them. He knows they'll insist that he is dating even though he isn't.

They entered the place and walked straight to the counter to order their drinks. After downing a couple of shots, his friends dispersed into the dance floor while he stayed behind and watched. He wasn't in the mood to party so a few bottles of beer would be enough to help him unwind after a long day at school.

I'm a regular here. Her voice echoed again, a little louder this time.

He desperately held the urge to look for her and was successful for a few short while. But later on, his eyes began searching for her in every table. To his disappointment, she wasn't there.  He shook his head in disbelief, chuckling as he took a swig of beer.

Fool. Why are you looking for her? He thought.

He decided to take a seat on the bar stool, turning away from the chaotic scene and finished three more bottles. He's deliberately feeling the buzz at the back of his head, quietly energized and slightly tipsy. When he looked back, the lights flashed on his eyes continuously, escalating his high and the catchy music was pulling him to the center. There was no stopping him now.  

He danced to the song with his eyes shut. If he was sober, he would never consider dancing or even move his shoulders to match the beat. He thought he moved awkwardly and was pretty insecure about that, but he's letting himself loose tonight since he feels surprisingly good. Contrary to how he views himself, the girls that laid eyes on him believed he was pretty hot. They gushed over the guy who was swaying his body smoothly with both of his arms raised halfway. Some women attempted to get him to dance with them, but he successfully got rid of them by subtly turning his body away.

A few minutes later, he stumbled forward when someone crashed into his back. He quickly looked over to see who it was. The lady was facing the opposite direction, yet as he examined closely, he found her figure familiar.

Long jet black hair. Hoop earrings. Fitted sleeveless crop top. High waist shorts.

No way. It's her. I can't be wrong. 

He watched her attentively and noticed that she was quite drunk again. She almost stepped on the foot of the person beside her, but her friend helped her to regain her balance at the last second. Moments later, she started to move her hips side to side while her fingers ran through her hair in one swift motion. It was like she's demanding attention and she successfully got what she asked for, particularly from men. Including his. Especially his.

He was mesmerized, allured by the way she moves. It was easier to hold himself when she was unresponsive. He didn't realize how dangerous it was to see Jieun in this place, conscious.

He was so near yet he couldn't get himself to grab her hand and take her away. The longer he looks, the more he noticed everything about her. He couldn't ignore her like she instructed—she was too beautiful and enchanting to disregard.

He attempted to reach for her arm from behind but a guy inserted himself in the scene and joined her. He can see half of her face now, her red lipstick standing out whenever the ray of LED lights shines above her for a split second. The guy casually slid his hand on her waist and brought her close to his body, but she quickly broke free without a problem. She was such a tease, winking at him before casually leaving him. Soohyun thought he's invisible to her at this point so before she could disappear into the throngs of people, he clutched her wrist and spun her around. She gasped, eyes widening as shock registers in her system. He caught just as she was falling, supporting her weight with his arm then leaned his head forward, their faces now inches apart.

She blinked repeatedly as she made sense of what has happened. The guy she had been praying not to meet is holding her close—dangerously close that is—and his gaze was intense. Her intoxication slowly dissipated while her heart threatened to escape her chest. The immense tension from the sudden encounter caused her to involuntarily press her thighs together.

His face drew closer to her ear and said, "It was so hard not to take notice, Miss Lee Jieun. When I'm buzzed and you're dancing like you were a while ago, I don't think I can ignore you."

He took small steps backward after lifting up, almost hitting the person behind him. "I was thinking..."

"What?" She answered, unable to make out the words leaving his lips because of the blaring music.

"I was thinking," he said it louder this time.

"You're thinking what?" she shouted back.

"That you should go out with me." It was bold of him to assume that she's single but he thought that it's likely that she is since her actions were unrestrained.

"Like date you?" she clarified.

She wished to overlook the tingling sensation in her stomach, but it was stubborn enough to cling unto her until she reconciled with the idea that maybe she's captivated by his charms and gentle demeanor. She was thankful they're in a dark place. Him seeing her all disheveled and untamed was enough humiliation. Her flustered reaction shouldn't add to that list or she'll have to disappear from his sight at once.

"Yeah, date me," he confirmed then beamed at her. "If you do, then from now on, I'll pick you up after your night outs and I’ll take you home even if it's at five in the morning."

They know they probably looked ridiculous since they're in the middle of a disorderly crowd, talking in a raised voice.

She pointed at her ear. "I can't hear you."

"I want to be the one to take you home so date me!"

Jieun pretended she still couldn't hear him, squinting her eyes and contorting her face. Growing frustrated, he approached her, their bodies in close contact when he halted. "I said—"

A playful smile appeared on Jieun's lips before grabbing the hem of his shirt, tugging him forward. Without warning, she snaked her palms around his neck, locking her fingers as they meet in the middle. Closing her eyes, she tiptoed to kiss him. She did it so tenderly and held his nape with utmost care. It was unlike those she shared with others on a night out. She wants him to feel her sincerity and as soon as he did, he returned the favor. Her lips tasted of vodka and danger—an addicting combination—but she was also sweet and that's what he liked the most. He slid his hand and held her waist carefully as he kissed her more. He felt the cracks of her lips and its softness, and he refused to stop. They were not bothered by those surrounding them. They can judge all they want because there's nothing more rewarding than this infinite moment. A few seconds later, she broke away. She smiled again, but wider this time, showing all of her teeth.

"I heard you and yes, I think we should go out," she declared before hauling him out of the club.

She realized that some things just fall into place as if they're meant to be there and those people who meet under these circumstances are lucky. Not everyone can have it this easy so she's giving this guy Soohyun a chance.

[iustories]

Hi authornim 👋🏻 I really like your stories of Press Play CalixBrie. I try to search it on your Twitter. But it seems that the account is not active. Wondering if you would post the story here?

Hi! I deactivated on twitter and I didn't keep the files for Press Play which means I can't upload them here :(

[iustories]

miss you ate j!!! just wanna let you know that I already found my courage to write again. thank you for your stories hnggg

OOooOo that's good to know. Keep writing luv. Rooting for u 😌

[iustories]

big splash

[iustories]

:---))) im speechless fam, i didnt see that coming so yea, i dont have tumblr but i think u know who i am - 🍼👻

i know u hehe thanks mwa

[iustories]

Authornim kelan po ang release ng next story mo?

Hi! I haven't started on anything yet so idk 😅plus i deactivated sa twitter pa not sure if i'll come back hehe

[iustories]

Authornim lasang ampalaya na hahahaha! Bawal ba ang happy ending sa sokor?

HAHAHA SORRY LOL

[iustories]

The Visitor

IU x Kim Soohyun

Jieun’s POV

Of all the places, I met you here. It's out of the ordinary I'd say, but I knew one day we'll see each other here. Little by little, everything faded before my eyes and I only saw you. You met my gaze with the same warmth and I clearly remembered the last time you looked at me similarly. When was that again? How long has it been since? I could tell you I lost count, but that would be a lie and I'm certain you'd immediately catch it before I even finish my sentence because you know everything about me, except for the part that I loved you I guess.

Loved? Should I be speaking in past tense? Do I still have the same fire burning in my chest? Sometimes I'm confused.

I approached you with caution as I always do, afraid to look eager, but I may give myself away when I smile a tad wider than usual. It can't be helped since you bring it out of me effortlessly and I'm a fool for giving in every damn time. But what is to be terrified about? This strange place will forget me, you, us, and whatever will happen, right? So I'll take my chances.

You rose to your feet with such grace and met me in the middle then pulled me into a tight hug. Ah, it feels like home. It feels like you. Seconds passed and I am still in your arms. I didn't detect any intention of you wanting to let go and it was my cue to allow myself to enjoy this freely. Was I always guilty when you're too close before? Now please don't break free. I promise I won't push you away this time. I'll make you stay.

There were no words spoken, just hearts beating in the same rhythm, speaking things that could not be explained if said.

"I missed you," you whispered, your soft breath tickling my ear.

If it weren't for this place, I would be hesitant to say it back, but since we're here let me just be honest. I'm sorry I had to mask my affection with dry humor. It was the only way I could tell you without actually telling you. "I missed you too. How have you been?"

Of course I'm aware that you're doing fine. You've been busy exploring new activities and having fun with your family. I check up on you from time to time. Despite what happened between us, I still genuinely care for you. "I'm good. And you?"

I was still engulfed in your embrace and if we talk for hours in this position, I wouldn't complain. "I'm okay too. I've been doing things here and there. Nothing really special, but yeah I'm okay."

I still can't conjure coherent sentences without feeling anxious. I mean, being around you still makes me nervous even in this place where nobody knows us.

You finally separated yourself from me, your hands traveling from my back towards my arms. You gripped them firmly then smiled at me, evidently delighted by my sudden appearance, like you've been waiting for me to come.

"Let's sit?" You casually asked and I nodded in response. You dragged me to the couch and motioned your hand, telling me to sit.

"What do you want to watch?" You asked, your eyes directing me to the screen. I turned to your laptop and scanned the selection. Seeing the titles brought a small smile on my lips because it just proves that it's you. Those movies and shows are your favorite. Now I'm sure this is all real.

I pointed at medical drama that you were raving about years ago. When you told me about it for the first time, I gave you a funny look because I didn't perceive you as a sentimental person.

"Good choice," you approved, your lips curving into a satisfied smile as you clicked on the show.

Do we have all the time in the world to watch shows? Can we settle some things first? I don't know how much time we have, so for the sake of my sanity, can we talk? But like in the past, my requests refused to leave my lips because your pleasure is much important than mine. I couldn't help it you know—putting you first. It's ridiculous, yes. But this is how I loved you.

Loved. There it is again. That word. It weighs heavily on me, waking the feelings I've come to abandon over the years as my hope dwindled. Can that word not ring in my head when I look at you? It's really bothersome and I can't focus on the present.

There was a considerable amount of space between us which actually disappointed me since we were always skin to skin. Have we fallen apart completely? Have we created boundaries? A while ago I thought we were back on track.

You must have heard my thoughts because you gradually moved closer until your arm was lightly touching mine and at the initial contact, I almost flinched and had to hold the gasp that was about to escape my lips. It amazes me how you still affect me with such intensity after all these years. I felt you arm hover over my neck and it found its way around my shoulder, causing me to freeze. You quietly tugged me towards you, urging me to relax and be comfortable, so I did. The loud beating of my heart deliberately subsided when you began patting my arm repeatedly. I eased my mind and I ran back to the things I used to do when I'm with you—placing my head on your chest and my arm around your belly.

And here I am again wishing this moment would never end, but I already tried it a couple of times in the past yet we were still separated by fate in the end.

"Jieun-ah," You called my name tenderly.

"Hmm?"

"Do you want to tell me anything?" You asked with a mellow tone, coaxing me.

"Like what?"

"Just anything. Maybe things I don't know?" There uncertainty in your voice, but I heard conviction as well.

Now I wonder if you've known all along. It's not impossible though since people talk and rumors spread quite fast.

Should I be honest or should I lie? Isn't this what I've been imagining—you asking me if I had something to say?

"I won't be mad. Whatever it is just tell me," you reassured me.

I let silence prevail, thinking hard if I should just say the truth. This is the redo that I prayed for, so letting this pass would be another dumb mistake.

"Do you know that I love you?"

Should I have said 'loved'? Which one is appropriate? And why am I answering you with a question? God damn it.

It was your turn to fall silent and tension immediately rose as you let seconds pass. "I know. I've always known."

My heart leaped as a mix of anxiety, fear, and excitement played inside my system. "Really?"

"I could see from the way you looked at me," You explained simply then paused.

"And I looked at you the same, but you never saw it, right?"

I processed your words carefully, afraid I might have gotten the wrong idea, but you interrupted my train of thoughts when you added, "We wouldn't be talking about this if you noticed. I loved you too."

"But things went downhill, didn't it?" I asked, trying to comfort myself from the missed opportunity by blaming it on fate and circumstances.

"It did," you affirmed. "But we could have tried."

"Would you have chosen me?"

You sighed then tightened your hold on me. "Yeah. I would have. Without a doubt."

"So we both ended up being alone after all that," I said chuckling, attempting to dismiss the ache growing inside my chest as regrets threaten to break loose at the gates of my mind.

"I talked a lot about you—no, all I talked about was you." I felt you shake your head, your chin brushing against the top of my head a few times. "I couldn't tell you too so I told other people."

"What were we so afraid of?" I asked, hoping that you had an answer. If we loved each other then, what was stopping us?

"Hurting others? We thought of them first before us."

Right. I almost forgot. Other people. We weren't selfish enough to take it to another level because of others or rather this person we both held close to our hearts. Our friend.

"Did we do the right thing?" I'm desperately seeking reprieve because I am being chased by the consequences of that decision.

"Yeah, I think we did," you answered as you peeked at my face and I wasn't quick enough to hide the sadness that was etched on it. "I'm sorry, Jieun-ah. I know I gave you a hard time. I know you've been waiting."

I bit my lip to control its trembling. The show continues to play on the screen, but it only served as the noise that filled the void when we fail to answer quickly.

"But doing the right thing doesn't always make us happy," you continued. "So are you happy now?"

I parted my lips yet nothing came out. Am I really happy without you? Am I truly resigned to the future I have in mind?

"Am I?" I stroked my chin as if I was really thinking of it, but in all honesty, I couldn't get myself to do it because I'm scared to know the answer.

You chuckled then ran your fingers down the length of my hair and I instinctively shut my eyes as the calming sensation of your touch registered. "I may be doing great, but I couldn't say I'm entirely happy."

Your answer surprised me. Even though you've confessed your feelings just a while ago, I couldn't wrap my head around it yet. How can I? I imagined hearing those words from you for quite a long time until I gave up, therefore everything may be happening inside my head.

"Me too." I was suddenly feeling hopeful since we are in another place. We were just two people who met unexpectedly so maybe this time I can fulfill my wishes. "So can we start again? If we aren't happy after what we've done, can we do what we want this time?"

You sighed again. What is it with the heavy sighs and the tone you've been using? Isn't this supposed to be a do-over, the clean slate that we both wanted? There isn't anyone who could hold us back anymore.

"I'm afraid we can't," you replied in a regretful tone.

You are so good at putting the pieces of my heart back together and breaking it right after. Hasn't this happened countless times already? Aren't you tired of hurting me?

"Why? What is our excuse this time?" I asked, my jaw clenching.

"We just can't."

"At least give me something I can understand. This is too much."

You kissed the top of my head. "This is not real, Jieun-ah"

"It is! What are you saying?"

"You know from the start this isn't real," you pressed further.

I gulped hard, my breathing becoming shallow and rapid. "Do we have to do this again?"

How many times do I have to lose you? How many times do you have to come back and remind me that you are not mine? You've been consistent at that and that's why I couldn't let you go that easily.

"Yes. We must go our separate ways again. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. But I'm glad I saw you here."

Just as tears trickled down my face, my eyes fluttered open. My heart was pounding erratically against my chest as your voice echoed repeatedly in my brain. I'm glad I met you here. I felt the wetness of my pillow and realized that I shed some tears while I was asleep.

You, my frequent visitor, the person of my dreams, came to make your presence felt again. Indeed, you know when to remind me of you when I start to forget.

[iustories]

WELCOME!

Hello, everyone! Welcome to IU STORIES! This is where I will be posting my full-text stories. You can navigate easily around here to find what you’re looking for. 

You may also ask a question if you want to! Type them in the ‘Questions?’ section of the page (must access through mobile browser/laptop for this I think?)

I’m always thankful for your support, reader! Enjoy!

—j (iustories)