Interlude: Back to Our Paradise | JENO
"Remember, so that I don't forget."
Synopsis. Every day, Jeno wakes up to the same sounds, the same sunrise, the same gunshots. At first, he thought it was déjà vu. Then he thought it was a curse. Now he knows — it's you. And if you die, the world resets. The problem is… he’s the only one who remembers. He does everything he can to save you, but some days, love isn’t enough.
Genre. Slow burn romance. Angst. Sci-fi
Trigger warnings. Emotional Manipulation. Gaslighting.
(BACK TO THE FUTURE: CHILLER STORIES MASTERLIST)
10:00 AM.
Anyone who knew Lee Jeno knew two things:
He worked three different part-time jobs, mostly at night.
He slept during the day, and under no circumstance did he like to be disturbed before 5 p.m.
With the kind of money he made juggling all those shifts, people assumed he’d move out of his cramped one-bedroom apartment and into a nicer, quieter part of town. But not Jeno. He wasn’t about to pay extra for peace when his current neighborhood came with its own kind of… built-in security. Criminals didn’t target this area, mostly because the people living here were the criminals.
Which meant that for the low, low price of sanity and decent sleep, Jeno got to live rent-cheap in a place where chaos kept itself in check.
Until it didn’t.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Gunshots.
Jeno bolts upright in bed like someone yanked his soul back from the afterlife. Three gunshots. He definitely heard gunshots. He stares at the ceiling, pulse racing. For a second, he wonders if he’s dreaming, but no, he’s wide awake and someone just fired three shots above him.
“What the hell?!” he grumbles while rubbing his eyes and peering at the clock on the wall. 10 a.m. His heart still doing parkour inside his chest.
For a second, he just sits there, frozen in place, staring at the ceiling like it's going to bleed. He throws off the blanket, padding to the window like he’s expecting to see a burning building, he throws the window open.
Instead outside, he sees a guy jogging with headphones. A bird lands on a power line. The neighbor’s dog poops on the sidewalk. Calm as anything. Mailman doing his rounds. Wind gently nudging the leaves. A guy across the street doing yoga in a tragic tank top.
Life continues, totally unbothered. He rubs his face, deadpan. “Okay. Either that was real or I’m losing my mind.”
He hears footsteps above. Then laughter.
Jeno storms into the hallway in pajama pants and slides open the window near the stairwell. “Mark!”
A head pokes out from the upstairs balcony. Sunglasses. Shirtless. Holding a literal smoking pistol. “Yo.”
“Did you just shoot your ceiling?” Jeno's attention moving all over the room to find any holes and proof that Mark used that pistol in his hands.
“Not at it. Into it.” Mark grins, and then rolls his eyes when Jeno doesn't budge from the door. “Relax,” Mark says, twirling the pistol like he’s in an old western movie. “Blanks. Keeps the upstairs ghosts humble.”
“There’s no one above you!” Jeno irks, being annoyed that he was awakened because his neighbor Mark was high again.
Mark points at the sky. “That’s what they want you to think.”
Jeno stares, blinking. “You need a therapist.”
Mark shrugs. “Therapist ghost. Same thing.”
Jeno ignores the deluded neighbor and heads back grabbing his blanket on the floor and scrambling underneath it on his bed. Then, right on cue, his phone buzzes on his nightstand. He grunts and ignores his.
But the phone buzzes again. Only his hand gets out to retrieve the phone on the nightstand. Sliding it underneath the covers - with his eyes closed he switches it on and turns the brightness down before he can open his eyes.
Unknown Number. But it’s not unknown. Not really. Jeno knows the name behind it. He always does.
It's Chenle: Yo, bro — favor? $50. Big move today. I’m desperate.
Jeno sighs, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Instead of typing Jeno opts to speak and allows his phone to create text. “This better be a couch and a folding chair. I’m not doing another piano situation.”
Chenle text back: Bro plzzzz - I'm bedridden and sick. Fine $100
Jeno texts back: Sure. Send me the address.
Jeno caves in. He always does… for more money.
So after getting ready in a black buttoned down shirt and black jeans, he heads off to Chenle's workspace - a moving service company. Since he's done this before, Chenle's manager doesn't even bat an eye when Jeno punches in Chenle's locker code. Jeno grabs Chenle's truck keys and contract flip file that the client as well as moving company had to sign.
On the road, Jeno uses his own GPS to navigate and drive through the bright afternoon. The drive is long, the area worth sight seeing. Tall palm trees, fresh grass worth millions on insurance, and houses humongous with so much land for no reason. By the time he arrives to the address that Chenle gave, it's 12 p.m. If he can finish this fast, he can quickly go back home and get in a quick nap.
So he drives up the paved driveway - shows certificate and receipt to the gate man who presses a button and a gate opens allowing Jeno to drive inside -
"It's not gonna work Chenle," Jeno finds himself snorting a little laugh as he thinks of Chenle - and how persistent the dude is to get Jeno to move out of his apartment. Whenever Chenle was 'sick' and asked for Jeno's help it was always to show Jeno that he should consider getting a good house. At first Jeno thought that he was really helping out - until he noticed the trend in houses and spots.
The moving truck rolls to a gentle stop at the edge of a grand, circular driveway, which is wide enough to host a dozen luxury cars and still leave room for a ballroom dance. At its center, a towering fountain commands attention: three angels carved from ivory stone, arms stretched out, pouring streams of crystal-clear water from their urns into a stone ivory basin below. The fountain’s soft, rhythmic splash echoes faintly against the open air, giving the place an eerie kind of serenity.
At the end of the roundabout, a grand staircase leads up to the main entrance, two tall French doors, framed by thick pillars and shaded by the house’s clean, elegant lines. The exterior is a smooth mix of white, soft black, and creamy brown, polished but not flashy.
Everything looks perfectly trimmed, perfectly placed like a house that doesn’t just look expensive, it knows it is.
Jeno parks on the side, not wanting to park near the cherry-red Ferrari that is parked right at the bottom of the staircase, gleaming like it knows it doesn’t belong near moving boxes. And not looking to get in trouble while filling in for Chenle, Jeno parks a distance away.
He gets out the large truck moving to the back opening it up and preparing to fill up the empty storage. He gets the black gloves on, and wonders if he should wear the moving jumpers attire… He decides against it. He just knows and has a feeling he'll be here for a while. Curtesy to Chenle. Jeno climbs up the stairs and knocks three times on the door - before he realizes there's actually a bell.
He presses it and waits. A minute later the door is pulled open, a man with slick black hair and a silk white robe stands before Jeno. "Hi-"
"Ah! You must be Chenle - wasn't expecting you till 3 p.m. in the afternoon, step in." The posh and soft spoken man moves aside, allowing room for Jeno to walk in. He's only 'Chenle' for a few hours. "I'm Jaemin, I called for relocation services. I already got the maids to pack the things you'll be carrying, so you don't have to worry about moving around the house- that's already taken care off. All you'll do is carry the boxes to your truck. I thought they'd be two of you."
Jeno stiffly smiles at the man. "I'm a special kind."
"Hm. Interesting." Jaemin folds his arm with a smile. "You can get started, it should take about an hour and a half. She's got so much shit." Jaemin mutters the last part more to himself. "When you're done, I'm sure the lady of the house will be back, from there you can take her wherever she pleases."
"Who's going to sign the bill of lading?"
"Y/n. The lady of the house. She stepped out early this morning, but she will be back. Don't worry. And if she starts something, complaining or nagging, ignore her and keep working until that truck has all her things."
It's an odd set of sentences, but Jeno doesn't prey on the drama, he simply nods and gets started with the first box when Jaemin walks away. A lady in the typical maid outfit quickly walks ahead of Jeno opening the second door in order for Jeno to have more room.
Jaemin is nowhere in sight after Jeno has lifted up a fair amount of boxes outside. Different shapes and sizes out, Jeno's muscles work hard to secure the boxes in his grip before carefully placing them on the ground outside near his truck. Just when he thinks he's almost done, different bunch of maids walk up and down the stairs, in and out different doors bringing out more boxes. He gets his earphones out and dials down the silence to turn up on the heavy rock music, to give him some energy. Nearly half an hour passes, when Jaemin, in a modest well tailored suit finally leaves the house in his cherry-red Ferrari and drives off.
Jeno finds that he's almost done in the house when there's a large stack of boxes near the truck. Once he's done with the last box he walks out the front door shutting it with the help of a maid. He then heads near the truck and begins the next phase of getting them to fit all inside the wide truck. It's time consuming, but the workout track blasting in his ears, he ignores the ache of his muscles and carries on working.
Not expecting anybody to be outside with him, he gets shocked when he violently gets shoved forward. His upper body budges causing him to hastily remove his earphone - a petite lady in a white knee dress angrily glares at him. You must be the lady of the house. The one Jaemin mentioned. Otherwise with what other authority did you have to push him?
"What the hell are you doing with my stuff?" you shriek.
Jeno picks up another box and places it inside the truck, not wanting to slow down on his fast momentum. "Look lady, I'm just filling in for my friend because he's sick."
"What does that have to do with you moving my things?"
"Somebody named Jaemin rented this truck and asked me to fill it up. By your reaction I'm assuming these are your things." Jeno gets in the truck and begins organizing the stuff.
"Wait." You hold your finger up, burning wholes at him. "Don't move another thing." With that you stomp your way back in your black jaguar and drive just a few seconds to the stairs and park. Jeno from the truck furrows his brows and watches you climb the steps with rage. Once you bang the door shut- Jeno carries on working not minding you as Jaemin previously suggested. He needs to finish so that he can get back home and sleep. It's nearly 3 p.m and he doesn't want to be here any longer.
By the time he's finished loading, managing and securing all the boxes of your belongings in the truck - he removes the gloves dumping them in before locking the back properly. Getting out the contract clipboard Jeno goes back to the house. Pressing the bell, it's not long before a maid opens up the door with a smile. "Can I get a signature from the lady of the house?"
"Oh yes. Follow me." Jeno follows behind the maid, who blabbers on about how Jaemin got you new designer clothes, shoes, bags etc., reasons why he packed up all your old things. Jeno doesn't care, he just wants to get your signature and leave. And from what Jaemin said, Jeno must leave with you so that you can tell him where to go and leave all the boxes.
He waits up the spiraling stair case as instructed. The second floor opens into a gallery-like hallway, bathed in soft, natural light that pours in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The marble beneath his shoes gleam with a mirror finish, reflecting the chandelier’s scattered gold accents overhead.
But what truly steals the space is the massive clock which is impossible to miss. Mounted against an empty wall at the far end of the hall, it ticks with deliberate grace. Its hands being actual wooden hands, sweeping across over number as if time itself were a luxury only the rich could afford.
Everything is quiet. Too quiet. Like the house is waiting for something. Or someone. It’s not long before you appear that Jeno chants out an appreciation prayer in his head. He already visualizes his head and how he'd sleep. You're gliding around the corner in a long red dress, which hugs your figure well, a silky scarf draped elegantly over your chest and neck. You look like you belong in a painting.
Jeno snaps himself out of it, and quickly holds out the clipboard when you stand a few feet in front of him. "Just need a signature." he says politely.
You fold your arms and shrug. "To be honest with you, I didn't even know that my husband was going to do this. I have no idea where he expects my old stuff to go. Why don't you wait for him in your truck and when he comes he'll direct you."
Jeno's brows furrow. "I'm sorry but I can't wait any longer, I do have another job I have to be in-"
"That's not my problem." you deadpan. "When he was making arrangements with you, I wasn't there. You doing this job is between you and him."
"But it's your stuff in the truck." Jeno stretches his hand back towards the door.
"Then you can wait for my husband," You shrug again. "Or you can take it wherever you want to take it, because I'm not going to sign anything that I wasn't a part of."
Jeno's eyes can only narrow in disbelief. He's actually stunned, and stands there for a while - you turn around telling him he knows where the door is. Grumpily he leaves the house and phone's Chenle.
"Yho dude, can you call your client and tell him his wife is being incorporative?"
"What happened?"
Jeno thought that Chenle was bluffing when he said he was sick, but from the voice over the line that's filled with so much raspy coughs, sickness at it's finest - Jeno knows it's real. He begins to explain the situation from how he arrived early all the way to being told to wait in his car.
"Man, I wish I was there." Chenle snickers weakly. "I live for drama like that. I'll call my boss to speak to the client and then hopefully I'll get back to you with good news."
The good news call doesn't arrive as quick as Jeno had hoped. He watches the maids leave for the evening some passing him adieu. The sun even sets and before Jeno knows it, he's getting a call from his nightshift job.
"Haechan, please cover for me." Jeno grumbles, clearly upset at everything that has happened. "I'm stuck. I don't know for how long."
"Jaehyun isn't coming tonight, so you're off the hook. But you really do have to come in tonight, there's a huge oil spill. We're all stuck on cleaning duty. Please don't leave me to do our section alone."
"I'll try my best to come in as quick as I can."
Jeno cuts the call and then steps out the truck hoping to try again with you, however he thanks the heaven the moment he spots the familiar cherry-red Ferrari pull up. Jaemin rolls the windows down as he gets closer to Jeno, a confused look on his face. "You're still here?"
"I'm finding it hard to get a signature out of the lady of the house-"
"Ay, ay, language." Jaemin furrows his brows. "She's no longer the lady of the house."
"She doesn't want to sign." Jeno refrains from rolling his eyes, but clearly adds why he's still the mansion.
"I'll get her out. Just wait for here." Jaemin ends up saying, his face tightening. "Here, let me sign that for you."
"Thank you." Jeno gets the clipboard handing it to Jaemin. He doesn't even pay attention to how Jaemin's tone dropped when speaking about you and how you're no longer the 'lady of the house'. Jaemin drives up to the stairs, and steps out. The black suit holding him well even under the glaze of the moonlight. He goes around and opens up the passenger door holding his hand out…
Another woman steps out, long hair, short black dress. Jeno can't see the face, but he knows it's an attractive woman, simply because of how Jaemin's eyes glisten with radiance. Jeno's eyes widen unintentionally, knowing he just stepped right into Chenle's favorite drama, a cheating scandal. He shakes his head and goes back to waiting in the truck. He watches how Jaemin enters the house first… and then after a minute, the other woman enters.
Jeno waits. Some minutes go by.
He sighs. Is he really going to be here for another hour? Drumming his fingers against the wheel and taking his phone to call Chenle — he's broken out of his nonchalant thoughts when hearing a faded in cry and argument arising.
His head snaps up - straight to the front French doors. His jaw being parted slightly… by the escalation of voices coming from Jaemin and you- there's a fight going on. You're screaming, yelling and fighting holding onto the door - but Jaemin man-handles you grabbing your hair and clothes pulling you out.
"Oh, no. Not like that man." Jeno steps out the vehicle- yet with a violent push - you're thrown out of the house, and Jeno can only watch being speechless.
You snap on the floor but then paddle on your knees in a breathless moaning mess towards Jaemin's feet, begging and holding his legs. You're panting yelling out nonverbal words- Jaemin throws off a heel shoe into the distance and then kicks you away from him, only for you crawl back and have the door slammed to your face.
"Jaemin!" You yearn out, a pitch reflecting agony as you cry. You bang on the door - "Jaemin please!"
Jeno doesn't move. Too surprised to act.
It's only after a while do you stop beating at the door with your fist, body sinking into a ball, obviously crying. It's embarrassing A few more minutes, you sit up… crawl on your knees, getting down some steps to retrieve your shoe. You look so helpless when trying to wear your shoe, hands shaking, your trembling breath audible for Jeno to hear. His phone vibrates in his hand, indicating an incoming call. Chenle… but Jeno doesn't answer, his eyes move back to you.
"What the hell did they get me into?"
He sucks in his breath, clearly upset, feeling bad to have witnessed such a devasting thing act of cruelty in relationship. His best guess is that the man Jaemin kicked her and all her stuff out of his house, to make room for his new side chick. Jeno never really cares for drama, he always avoided it. But now getting closer to you, Jeno hears your whimpers and little hiccups, he knows he's already involved in this drama. Chenle would need to pay him extra.
You glance up feeling someone approach you. The view of the man and his stupid truck has you shifting uncomfortable as you sniff, trying to wrap the scarf around you, and adjusting your dress to look dignified. Your hair is messy and out of the bun - your clothes look like they had been tugged at, but that's not your concern.
Jeno pauses when he hears you let out a sad chuckle. "That's why he hired a moving truck.." your broken whisper, forces Jeno's words to disappear.
But he regains his composure when you get up, by yourself and sniff, walking down the stairs. The back of his head is itchy, he scratches it following behind you. He tries to help you up in the truck, but you're so stiff and rigid and angry that he can't even approach to help.
He gets in the truck, doesn't say anything when you keep crying lowly and whimpering. Once the engine starts, he's off riding into the night trying to get off the residents area just in case you don't want to be anywhere here. However you don't speak, you don't tell him to turn right or left. When he peeks at you from time to time, you're adjusting yourself to face out the window as you rub your face, wiping your tears, wrapping the red silk scarf around your body.
"Hey look," Jeno starts in a somber tone. "We've been, driving around for an hour. I do have another job which I'm supposed to be at right now, so there's gotta be some place I can take you." he peeks in your direction.
You're a puffy red eye mess with your hair unkempt as you hold onto your chest - Jeno gets blinded by the huge diamond rock ring on your finger. You look at him and chortle sarcastically. "Take me where?" you're breathless. "Take me where? He has alienated me from my entire family. He made me put my dad in a retard home, because…" you wipe your eyes. "Because he didn't fit his Korean chaebol lifestyle dream. I don't even have money in my own account - I didn't bring my phone - he…"
You breathe out again, the tears threatening to spill out. Jeno looks away focusing on the empty road with the streets only lit up lamps or closed LED signs on shops.
"I don't have anywhere else to go." you breakdown.
Jeno sighs. "Okay lady, I'm really sorry to hear about that. But it's the middle of the night and we're riding around in circles-"
"Stop the truck." he doesn't notice how you ball your fists and clutch your jaw.
"I'm not-"
"Just stop the truck!" you yell and glare at him.
Jeno looks baffled. "I'm not stopping the truck-"
"All you men are just alike- you just think of yourself- you don't think about anybody else but yourself-" Jeno shifts uncomfortably as your temper and aggravated cry manifest and you begin hitting him. "Just stop the truck and I'll drive myself!"
He's about to reject - yet you fiercely begin to grab the wheel - causing the car to swerve- and Jeno immediately curses and stops. "Okay - okay I'm stopping,"
"Get out!"
"We're in the middle of nowhere-"
"I don't care- get out of the car and I'll drive myself-" while Jeno tries to open the truck door - you're pushing and punching him to get out.
Jeno can't even react as he gets out and looks at you with disbelief. "You know what, now I see why you're going through what you're going through,"
"Go to hell." You slam the truck door shut. You adjust yourself in the seat and start the car.
"Have a nice life."
"I will. Thank you very much." you let out bitterly, the truck screeches and speeds off. "Fuck." Jeno looks at the clock, it's around 10 p.m.
He turns left and right, but the streets are empty. He brings out his phone ordering a ride. By the time the ride comes, Jeno phones Chenle. "Your crazy client's ex wife-"
"Ex wife?" Chenle sounds like he's leaning in for the tea.
"Yeah he kicked her out the house. Literally." Jeno grumbles. "Man listen, she hijacked your truck."
"Oh no. Jeno please tell me you're lying." there's a bit of a shift in Chenle's voice, for Jeno to realize that he's no longer 'leaning in for tea' but sitting up right being upset. "Jeno please tell me you're gonna get it back? Otherwise that shit's gonna come out of my paycheck for 6 months! I don't have enough money like you-"
"Okay calm down dude, I'm gonna get get. Tomorrow. For now, you owe me big time."
Once Jeno is home, he begins to scramble and put on his uniform before driving himself to work. Unfortunately for him, his boss who arrived moments before gives him his first verbal warning. Jeno works with a clouded head, full of anger, but it fades away when around 4 a.m. he clocks out and heads home. Once his head hits the pillow, he's out cold from the crazy day.
-
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Gunshots again.
Jeno blinks up at the plaster above his bed, groaning into his pillow. "Mark’s doing target practice with the ceiling again," he mutters and drags his body out of bed, and immediately stubs his toe on his desk chair. “Ow! Okay. Good morning to me.”
Jeno storms into the hallway in pajama pants and slides open the window near the stairwell.
"Mark!"
A head pokes out from the upstairs balcony. Sunglasses. Shirtless. Holding a literal smoking pistol. Mark. "Yo."
"Did you just shoot your ceiling again?" Jeno's eyes bleeding with irritation.
“Again?” Mark grins, and then rolls his eyes when Jeno doesn't budge from the door. “Relax,” Mark says, twirling the pistol like he’s in an old western movie. “Blanks. Keeps the upstairs ghosts humble.”
“For the last time, there’s no one above you!” Jeno irks and slams the door going back to his bed.
Then, right on cue, his phone buzzes on his nightstand. He grunts and grabs his phone looking at the text message.
Unknown Number. Chenle: Yo, bro — favor? $50. Big move today. I’m desperate.
Jeno furrows his brows. "Again?"
This time instead of replying by text he phones Chenle. "What the hell man? Didn't you already send me on a quest yesterday and I screwed it up? Now you want me to do another?"
"Uhm…" Chenle awkwardly coughs. "What are you on about?"
"Yesterday." Jeno grumbles running his hand through his hair. "I got your truck lost remember?"
"No."
"You nagged that I get it back before it comes out of your paycheck. Remember?"
"Fam, I'm sick and I have no memory of phoning you yesterday, and my truck is still at base." Chenle whines, his voice rising in confusion. "Just say if you wanna help or not- I'll get somebody else to do it."
Jeno pauses for a deep minute. He moves to the window, head tilting when he sees a guy jogging with headphones. A bird lands on a power line. The neighbor’s dog poops on the sidewalk. Calm as anything. Mailman doing his rounds. Wind gently nudging the leaves. A guy across the street doing yoga in a tragic tank top.
Life continues, totally unbothered. He rubs his face, when he looks at his phone and sees the date and time. 23 August…. “Okay. Either that was real or I’m losing my mind.”
"I think you're losing your mind. Or you didn't get enough sleep." Chenle grunts out. "Are you gonna help out or not?"
Rubbing sleep from his eyes, Jeno sighs. "I'm sorry Chenle, just some weird… dream I had. Send the address I'll get ready."
"Thanks Jeno, for that I'll bop it up to $100."
Once the call cuts, Jeno shakes his head, realizing he mixed up the days. Or he could've had a deja Vu dream. He gets ready, and put on a black buttoned shirt and pants. Heads to Chenle's work place and passes by the manager who shakes his head.
Jeno feels a weird sense of deja-vu once he gets in his track and already recognizes the way in which he's going on. It's just like the dream he had. However when he notes that mansion and the security guard all the same - he's left even more perplexed and confused.
"Hi-" Jeno instantly stops after the door is pulled open and a dashing man- no that's Jaemin!
"Ah! You must be Chenle - wasn't expecting you till 3 in the afternoon, step in." Jeno walks in with hesitancy. "You're a little nervous, don't worry. I'm Jaemin, I called for relocation services. I already got the maids to pack the things you'll be carrying, so you don't have to worry about moving around the house- that's already taken care off. All you'll do is carry the boxes to your truck. I thought they'd be two of you."
Jeno stiffly smiles at the man. He did this before… deja-vu. "I'm different."
"Hm. Interesting." Jaemin folds his arm with a smile. "You can get started, it should take about an hour and a half. She's got so much shit." Jaemin mutters the last part more to himself- but Jeno can't wrap his head around how everything feels so familiar. "When you're done, I'm sure the lady of the house will be back, from there you can take her wherever she pleases."
"Who's going to sign the bill of lading?" Jeno asks.
"Y/n. The lady of the house. She stepped out early this morning, but she will be back. Don't worry-" Jaemin keeps talking but Jeno zones out when he hears your name….
"Wait I'm sorry. Did you just say Y/n?"
Jaemin nods. "Yep. Look I'd love to chat, but I've got an important day ahead of me. Keep working until that truck has all her things." Jaemin pats Jeno's back and goes away.
Jeno can only breathe out. Feeling so strange because in his dream… he lived this.
Nonetheless, the work still needs to be done. He works - this time he doesn't put on any earphones, because he anticipates that you'll push him and arrive. No sooner then later, Jaemin drives off. Jeno doesn't remember when you'll come, but he does remember what you do.
To his surprise, he hears a car pulling up behind him. He's sorta freaked when you look the same, angry, and rushing to the boxes. You open one box and take a peak inside before looking at him. "Excuse me, where are you taking my things?"
"Uh-" Jeno's confused that you don't push him… Maybe it's because in his dream he had earphones so he couldn't hear you pull up… Jeno quickly answers sensing that he zoned out. "Jaemin called for relocation services. I'm supposed to pack all these up and-"
"Bullshit. Don't you dare move another box." With that you get back in your car and drive to the stairs. Jeno's surprised that even your car is the same. He doesn't move the boxes as you say and he waits…
Maybe it wasn't deja-vu, and today is a new and fresh day. If he doesn't get these boxes moving, he's going to be late for work in the night.
By the time Jeno finishes packing the boxes, he anticipates whether or not to go inside. After much hesitancy he goes inside the house, and doesn't wait for a maid. Recalling the steps as according to his memory, he goes up the stairs and moves further into a hall -
"Excuse me. How'd you get in?" You're hunched over tying your heels shoelace over your leg.
"Look, I'm done packing the boxes and I just need your signature."
You huff sarcastically. "You're quite rude. Barging in as if you own this place. Get out,"
"I just need this signed and then I'll be out of your hair." Jeno stresses.
You get up, Jeno notices that you don't have the silk red scarf, instead it's on the dresser behind you. You fold your arms, your boobs pressing out. "To be honest with you, I didn't even know that my husband was going to do this. I have no idea where he expects my old stuff to go. Why don't you wait for him in your truck and when he comes he'll direct you."
Jeno's brows furrow- "I'm sorry but I can't wait any longer, I do have another job I have to be in-"
"That's not my problem." you deadpan. "When he was making arrangements with you, I wasn't there. You doing this job is between you and him."
"But it's your stuff in the truck." Jeno adds, recalling the dream.
"You can wait for my husband," You shrug again. "Or you can take it wherever you want to take it, because I'm not going to sign anything that I wasn't a part of."
Jeno tilts his head. "Okay, so I can take these things wherever I want."
"Do what you want." you shrug.
Jeno turns, about to go, until he pauses. "I need a signature though,"
"I'm not signing anything. He called you, he'll sign it." You ignore him and turn around taking a seat. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got an anniversary gift to prepare."
Jeno shakes his head, but leaves nonetheless. If his dream is anything like reality, he doesn't want to be here when Jaemin throws you out the house. He forges a signature and pulls out with the truck, going down the paved path towards the gate with your belongings in the truck.
For some reason, he feels relaxed once the senses of deja Vu happens. He drives out following the road back to Chenle's workspace. He informs the manager that the client lady stated that they can do whatever they want with the contents in the truck.
"Rich people." The manager shakes his head. "Hey Jeno, step in my office real quick."
Jeno internally sighs. All he wants to do is go back home and sleep to prepare for his nightshift. Stepping in the office, Jeno moves towards the manager, who opens up a box.
"I never thought I'd say this, but your constant help with Chenle has really been recognized. Some of our best clients who live uphill, admired your quick and effortless movements," The manager states, as Jeno watches the manager fill up an envelop with money. "It's my understanding, according to Chenle that you work nightshifts, I don't know how much you get paid, but I want you to come work for us."
Jeno's eyes widen when the manager hands him the envelope.
"Don't worry, I'm not firing your friend." The manager laughs. "I'd like for you to work here. Your drive and work ethic, especially with uphill clients is really good."
"Uphill?" Jeno is puzzled but still takes the envelope.
"Oh you know, all those times you filled in for Chenle, you actually went to the rich side of town to do his job. Let's just say the uphill clients, loved that you were broad, focused and fast. They actually like that you're a one man team." The manager taps Jeno's back. "Just think about it. Anyway, the envelope is just an appreciation amount. For all your help. Here's my card, I'll be expecting your call tomorrow."
Jeno takes the card in his hands. "What would the pay be?" One thing about Jeno, he wasn't afraid to talk salary. So after a hafty conversation with the manager, Jeno nods and leaves. Already considering dropping one of the late night shifts he has.
Obviously he'd leave the one where he was paid less, unfortunately that one had a good friend, Haechan.
He goes by to a food court, ordering and enjoying the afternoon. He texts Chenle telling Chenle that he's completed the task, before moving over to texting Haechan and informing his pal that he'll no longer be working there.
Of course that makes Haechan immediately call him. "What do you mean you're dropping The Recycling Factory?"
"I got a better offer. Day job. One that doesn't allow me to sleep through the day and actually enjoy my night sleeps." Jeno speaks.
"Jeno you can't leave." Haechan fakes a cry. "I'll be alone here,"
"I'm sorry man. This job's pay is way better then what I make there at the factory."
After a little banter between Jeno and Haechan, he cuts the call parting on good terms, before calling his boss Jaehyun to inform him of the decision.
For some reason, Jeno feels so relived and relaxed as if something heavy has finally been lifted off his shoulders. "I can finally sleep early and on time."
After a long and heavy relaxing day at the mall, and getting some medication for Chenle and spending some time with Chenle, Jeno is home and plops on the bed. The time, 11 p.m.
He closes his eyes and slowly begins drifting off to sleep with the joy that tomorrow he'll start a new chapter in his life, you pop up in his head for a minute and he wonders if really Jaemin kicked you out the house.
-
Something is wrong. Terribly wrong.
Jeno wakes up with a jolt.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
He knows it's Mark.
Jumping from his bed to the window - he catches sight of the familiar mailman, dog, crop top yoga man- and his eyes are wide open. He also realizes that he's in his pajama pants alone - and that's something he didn't fall asleep with last night. He runs up the stairs going to the balcony finding Mark.
"You shot the bullets!"
Mark who appeared laid back, holds his hands up as soon as Jeno grabs him. "Yo man chill! Chill! It's blanks-"
"I know it's blanks you idiot!" Jeno shoves him back and runs back to his apartment.
Just in time his phone vibrates. Seeing that it's Chenle and he's asking for a moving favour causes Jeno to flung his phone out the window in sheer fear and paranoia. It's Thursday again!
"No-no-no-no" Jeno hurries to get his clothes on driving to Chenle's apartment, which was on the other side of town.
"CHENLE I'M NOT CRAZY!"
Jeno storms inside of Chenle's house - once Chenle weakly opens the door.
"Woah- what's going on?"
"Man something is wrong with me!"
"What? What's wrong?"
"I already lived this day- twice! Today it's repeating itself." Jeno walks back and forth- hands grabbing his hair- Chenle shuts the door and follows Jeno who's talking crazy. "Tell me you also realize that-"
"I don't- I don't realize - I don't know what you're talking about - man I'm-"
"Sick!" Jeno snaps and points to Chenle. "I know you're sick!"
Chenle holds his hands out to Jeno's shoulders. "Okay, thanks for knowing that and informing me. Yho what happened to your phone-" Chenle asks when Jeno shows him the cracked screen.
"That's not important - I threw it out the window but got it back, look at the date!" Jeno grabs Chenle's face - glaring into his eyes. "I already lived this day. I know I did. It's been Thursday three times now!"
"Jeno?"
Jeno breaks into a scary laugh moving away from Chenle, panicking back and forth. "Otherwise I'm insane and the whole world has amnesia!" Jeno shakes his head, scratching his head. Another thing about him, is that he hated routine work. He liked living his life without feeling like it was on loop. Everyday had to be different.
"Jeno you are going crazy. This isn't like you. It's freaking me out man. Chill." Chenle smacks Jeno's chest, looking baffled with the urge to laugh.
"I can't chill. I lived this before!"
"Did you smoke with your neighbor?" Chenle ends up chuckling.
"No! That's the thing - I thought I was crazy - but then it's not a coincidence that this is still Thursday-"
"Maybe it is."
"No! The day before yesterday was Thursday. I woke up to gunshots! You sent a message. I did your job, went to the rich man's house, packed boxes, his wife refusing to sign and I waited outside. He kicked her out, I drove around with her until she hijacked your car. I ended up going to work late and then went home and slept. But YESTERDAY!"
"Jeno calm down-"
"Yesterday I woke up to gunshots again, Mark. You sent your message. I did your job- but this time I didn't wait for the signature from the wife. I took the truck and went back to your work place. Your manager offered me a job and some money-" Jeno's eyes widen just as Chenle freaks out. "Don't worry he wasn't firing you, just wanted me to work there since I impressed the uphill people. I quite one of my late night job. Got you medication, spent some time with you and went back home and slept. But then TODAY! I woke up to gunshots. You sent your message and now I'm here."
There's a whole moment of silence, as Chenle stares at Jeno with his mouth wide open. "Man I'm too weak for this. Is this a prank-"
"I'll punch you in the face - and then you'll see. Tomorrow - or today will repeat itself and you won't remember a thing."
"Jeno you're not gonna- OW!" Chenle drops to the floor after one punch from Jeno. Chenle cowers and tries to protect himself backing away in pain of being punched straight in the face- feeling terrified that Jeno did such a thing. "Are you fucking crazy!?"
"I'm not crazy! I know I sound insane- but i can prove it!" Jeno moves back- not the slightest bit concerned that Chenle is whimpering on the floor. "It's like that saying, fool me once, shame on you. But fool me twice, I punch you-"
"No one fucking says that!" Chenle cries in agony.
Jeno's not listening as a thought pops in his head. "I can prove it. I can prove it. Follow me."
"You hit me and you want me to follow yo-"
"I said get up- get changed and follow me or else I'll punch you again!" Jeno raises his tone - Chenle screams out like a man child, weakly getting up and running to his room.
-
After going to Chenle's workplace - and taking the truck Jeno begins to 'prove' to a grumpy Chenle that he's not crazy. He doesn't even use the GPS. Chenle can't even focus on that, all he's thinking about is that he got punched by his best friend - who's now threatening to beat him up again because apparently Chenle won't remember it tomorrow morning.
"Boy will you get the shock of your life if tomorrow comes and today doesn't repeat itself." Chenle grumbles out. "I will hire someone to kill you."
"Look I'm sorry for hitting you, but I need you to believe me." Jeno emphasizes. "You'll see. There's a fountain outside of there house and a cherry-red ferrari outside-"
"How sure am I that you didn't google maps this?"
"I didn't- just listen! We'll meet the rich man. His name is Jaemin. He'll be in a white robe. And invite us in to start packing the boxes that the maids have already prepared. He'll make snarky comments about his wife and then he'll leave-"
"But that's how it's supposed to be." Chenle states furiously. "They prepare the moving boxes before hand!"
"No listen!" Jeno shakes his head. "This is different. Let's first get through this and then you'll see that I'm not crazy. We're pulling up now, and the driver will ask for documents."
Chenle can only turn his head to Jeno slowly and be baffled by his stupidity. "They have to ask the documents because-"
"Shut up and listen."
Chenle refrains from calling Jeno stupid as he watches Jeno hand the documents and drive in. "Oh look you were right. Fountain and red Ferrari." Chenle mutters out in a matter of fact tone.
"I know you're judging me. But you'll see."
After parking the truck, Chenle and Jeno step out heading up the stairs. Jeno knocks on the door- before Chenle rapidly removes Jeno's hands and presses the door bell.
"I knew that was there-" Jeno comments - causing Chenle to just glare. If looks could kill. Jeno would be dead. "Anyway he's gonna open the door and tell us he wasn't expecting us until 3-"
The door opens up and Jeno abruptly turns silent. His eyes enlarge joyously - but they drop immediately when seeing Jaemin isn't in a robe, but a black suit… the cheating suit.
"Ah! You must be Chenle…" Jaemin's voice fades when looking at the two.
"Sorry I'm Jeno. This is Chenle."
Jaemin tilts his head, having a stare with Jeno. Jeno doesn't even realize it. "You're Jaemin right?"
Jaemin nods still confused… for other reasons.
"I wasn't expecting you…" Jeno gets so happy when Jaemin's about to say the words that - "To come so late. It's after 3."
Jeno's eyes enlarge. "Oh crap. Sorry about that."
Chenle beside Jeno shakes his head. Disappointed.
"Well anyway. Come in. I called for relocation services. I already got the maids to pack the things you'll be carrying, so you don't have to worry about moving around the house- that's already taken care off. All you'll do is carry the boxes to your truck. I'm happy there's two of you."
"Yep." Jeno nods and looks to Chenle. Who still looks so sick, but manages a well and firm glare.
"Hm. Interesting." Jaemin folds his arm with a tight smile. "You can get started, it should take about an hour and a half. She's got so much shit." Jaemin mutters the last part more to himself and Jeno looks to Chenle - as if he predicted those words. "When you're done, I'm sure the lady of the house will be back, from there you can take her wherever she pleases."
"Her name is Y/n right?"
"How did you know what, I never put any of our names on file."
"Oh." Jeno panics, jaw dropping open.
"He's new on the job. Please don't mind him." Chenle butts in with a weak voice, but still maintains professionalism. "Uh so, Mr Jaemin, who's going to sign the bill of lading?"
"Well your psychic friend seems to know." Jaemin motions to Jeno. "But to answer you, my wife. She stepped out early this morning, but she will be back soon. Don't worry. And if she starts something, complaining or nagging, ignore her and keep working until that truck has all her things."
"Yes sir. Will do." Chenle bows.
"If you'll excuse me. I'll be leaving now. I've got plans." And just like that, Jaemin's out the house. Some maids open up the double doors, allowing Chenle to pick up the first and leave. Jeno follows in picking up the box as well.
"Okay, I screwed up. But I do think that it had to do with the time, the past 2 days I came early before 3pm-"
"Fuck Jeno." Chenle grumpily drops the box in the truck. "If you didn't wanna help all you had to do was say so. I wasn't going to force you."
Jeno shakes his head. "Actually you were, you bribed me with $100 so that-"
"You know what, you can leave. It's fine." Chenle walks past Jeno.
"No dude- okay I'm sorry." Jeno snaps back to his senses, realizing his friendship is at stake - and maybe- JUST MAYBE- this was the real world and that if he carried on jinxing things, he'd ruin a good relationship.
So he quietly assists Chenle to bring the boxes outside, while Chenle begins placing them nicely in the truck. Jeno feels bad, because he can hear Chenle breathing heavily and even coughing.
But he can't say much because - your car pulls up. "I hate to do this Chenle but-"
"Save it Jeno." Chenle jumps out the truck. "Let me guess she's the wife who won't sign? Gold star." He walks towards another box and continues to place it in the truck.
Meanwhile, Jeno watches you open one box and take a peak inside before looking at him. "Excuse me, where are you men taking my things?"
"Jaemin called for a relocation services. We're just packing as told."
"Bullshit. Don't you dare move another box." With that you get back in your car and drive to the stairs. Chenle didn't even pay attention to that- even though Jeno's head spirals again. Deja-vu. They continue to work in silence, before finishing up.
This time Chenle takes the clipboard. "Instead of you taking it in, I'll take it in, and come back with her signature."
And Chenle isn't wrong- because moments later Jeno watches Chenle walk back to him happily.
"I got her signature, something you couldn't do for 2 repeat days."
Jeno is downcasted, but gets in the track on the passengers seat as Chenle drives off.
"I have a feeling that you weren't so respectful when you were repeating the days."
"Okay. I fucked up-"
"Save it Jeno. Let's just wait for tomorrow." Chenle mumbles. "If tomorrow comes and I remember being punched, you better kiss your life goodbye. And if it doesn't come. You've got another chance with my good graces."
-
The time is 10 p.m. and Jeno's in some random park laying on the grass. He's ignoring Haechan's calls and avoiding the fact that he's got a shift. He truly believes that he'll wake up and the day will repeat itself. He's so upset with how the events unfolded today. He hit his best friend, got proved wrong multiple times and now he's waiting for chance to repeat this day again, so that he can make it up to Chenle.
"Damn I fucked up badly." He gets up from the ground. Deciding to walk, until he can't anymore. How did the loop even start? Because there's no bone in his body that believes this is a dream. He's never experienced this before in his entire life.
He's pulled out of his thoughts when hearing screeching tires on the road- his eyes catch sight of a rushing and speeding car that jolts up a speed bump and then dangerously swerves into a tree crashing up instantly!
Jeno covers his mouth and lets out a yell! Running to the tree- The car is smoking due the collision of the dangerous accident. "Hey! Are you okay? Help is on the way!" He quickly speed dials an emergency hotline. "Hello! Please locate and track my call! There's been an accident-"
"No problem. Sir please stay on the line."
Jeno gets close enough to the door, being a heroic in trying to get it to open up. It proves to be difficult because it's been rammed shut by the collision. With the cracked windows all the way up- he makes out the hunched over figure. He tries to work fast seeing the burning tires and engine in front- in a matter of minutes it's going to blow up. He goes over to the side door- and thankfully it's not as bad. With brute force he forces the door open - working quick as he sees blood sliding down the person's arm. Not wearing a seatbelt, he's able to pull the person out-
His eyes widen… it's you.
He tries not to pay mind to it as he continues to move you away from the car. You're bleeding badly all over your head, unconscious… he tries to locate his phone but seeing it not on him, he runs to the car to retrieve it only for a huge explosion to erupt from the car. His heartbeat beats fast and watches the burning car. He's never seen such, only in movies… to think that you could've exploded in that car is bizarre for him.
"Ah shit, my phone." He grunts before remembering that 'today' will repeat itself. He picks you up, carrying you in his arms, turning left and right, he can only hope that the ambulance is coming.
-
"Sir."
Jeno hears, but doesn't bother opening his eyes thinking he's not being addressed. Yet when a light hand taps his shoulder continuously he opens his eyes. He immediately shuts it when light swarms through. Grunting, he sits up rubbing on his eyes. The stand falls away from his eyes just as he adjusts himself to his surroundings, until his eyes land on a clock plastered on the wall. Jeno gets up, shock leading him to the wall where the time is.
Something is wrong.
It's 10 a.m. but there's no gunshots. No Mark. No phone call from Chenle… he's not on his bed like all the other times. Not in his apartment to witness the odd morning that Thursday presented itself to be. Surprisingly he's in a hospital and nurse with fitting yet a loose pink uniform has a smile on her face. "Seems like you had a good sleep sir. Sorry to have disturbed, but the patient Y/n wishes to see you." A bright corridor illuminated by the natural light from the landscape windows revealing the outside world.
He turns around, the nurse looking at him. "What day is it today?" Jeno questions instead scratching the side of his head. Noticing some ash over his pants and hands…
"Today, it's Friday." The nurse answers without much hesitancy before placing her hand out towards the open door. "This way," Jeno can only hold onto his chest with his heart beating as fast. He got so used to repeating Thursday that it feels so wrong to be Friday. It should be good, but why only when he's burnt bridges with Chenle, or made himself look like a fool the whole of yesterday. "Sir please hurry, she seemed agitated."
Jeno then nods, approaching the nurse who walks in the room first. In the room the natural lighting from the sky lights up with white room, the brightness serves as a reminder of why he hates hospitals, because despite their bright atmosphere - there's always a loitering reminder of pain. There's no other nurse in the room except the present one who gently holds onto your shoulder. You're hatched up on the bed staring out the window. There's a bandage on over your head, your arms that are visible are in casts that look heavy, Jeno can't see your leg, but by the odd shape of the blanket he knows that you probably also have a cast over your leg. You don't look so good either on your face with smaller bandages over parts of your lips, eyes, cheeks and nose. For now, all that should matter is that you're alive. Your head shifts when the nurse informs you of his presence. Your neck lifts slowly as you turn your head, the unfamiliar man stands in your room and you inhale and exhale.
"Who are you?" you let out weakly, voice hoarse from the accident.
Jeno watches the tears welling up your eyes. He can only guess what happened. If yesterday was just like the other dejavu days, then it means Jaemin your husband probably kicked you out the house and you went on a rampage and perhaps lost control of the wheel resulting in your terrible accident. He moves a bit closer to the bed as instructed by the nurse who ushers him close.
"Do I know you?" you ask another question, confusion sifting through your brain as you try to remember the man in front of you. You can't. However he's got a familiar face… "You're from the moving truck place right?"
"You remember me?" Jeno's eyes widen.
"You… were packing my things in your truck yesterday, weren't you?" Jeno nods, and you shake your head looking away. "Please get out."
The nurse draws closer to Jeno assisting him to leave. "She woke up melancholy, she needs some rest. You're free to wait outside, however if you merely saved her as you stated yesterday in your report, you can leave. We'll try to contact some relatives."
"Okay, I think that's good," Jeno nods, the reality sinking in to him of how real this day feels. No restarts and there's a huge possibility that perhaps he dreamt the whole deja vu think. "I'll leave then." Jeno concludes. The nurse politely bows, heading back in your room leaving Jeno alone on the corridor.
He's already walked down the hall and is about to turn to the staircase- but suddenly stops when hearing a scream! Rapidly he turns his head when hearing a loud metallic clink. "Please calm down ma'am!" he hears the nurse, and it's enough for him to speed walk back towards your room- His eyes widen when standing at the center of the doorway. Somehow you've opened the window wide enough and you're seated on the pane body and head facing the outside world. The nurse is at the center of the room - formulated words leave her lips trying to bring you back in the room but you shake your head.
"Please wait-" Jeno's voice captures your attention. Slowly you turn your head back, your one good eye eyes him down. Jeno sees all the tears you're releasing.
"You shouldn't have saved me."
With that, Jeno as well as the nurse both trudge forward in speed just as you let go and you lose balance falling out of their view. A loud pancake splash is all that echoes- the sound hits their ears - before a loud wave of panic and shout erupts from people outside. Jeno stands over the window eyes wide open watching your body in the white attire slowly spread with fresh red blood. Jeno covers his mouth, not able to take in the sight of your broken body- he can hear the nurse yelling and shouting, other nurses and doctors flood the room, panic washing over. But Jeno shakes his head giving himself one hard slap.
"I'm losing my mind." Another slap, another and another until he can't stop hitting himself and other nurses stop him. He can see them, their words sound muffled in his ears, and just before he knows it. He passes out.
While Jeno passes out and some nurse assists him, another runs out the room accidently bumping into Jaemin-
-
Jeno opens his eyes, holding onto his head grunting out. No gunshots. Rubbing onto his eyes, he sighs out as he looks around the room he's in. A hospital room that's darkened creating a beige atmosphere, most likely due to the night sky and darkened skies that peak out through the halo curtains.
"You're awake."
Eyes jolting to the other person in the room, Jeno's eyes blink several times seeing Chenle. "Dude? You're here,"
"Yeah," Chenle, who's been seated on the guests chair gets up and walks towards Jeno's body on the hospital bed. Jeno manages to sit up on the bed. He's still in his normal clothes, not changed and feels revealed. "They found our business card in your pocket with my number and contacted me. Said you fainted after a tragic accident occurred. What happened?"
A brief silence and thought passes Jeno's mind, just as the image of your splashed body comes to mind, he gasps out and shakes his head. "This is a nightmare. It just has to be." Chenle doesn't prompt on, Jeno already looks shaken up and much more awake then he did seconds ago. Instead Chenle takes a seat on the hospital bed gently patting on Jeno's arm. The slight touch, brings Jeno back to reality and shakes his head. "The lady from yesterday," Jeno speaks, simply wanting to get it out of his chest. Chenle listens without interruption. "She… jumped out the window." Saying it out loud, has Jeno feeling strange. It still doesn't feel real. "Said that… it was a mistake to save her. That I shouldn't have."
"Come on man, it's not your fault," Chenle ends up saying after a moment of silence. "You just happened to save her. Being a good Samaritan, she just… she was just going through her own things and had enough of life."
"This is all crazy," Silence passes through the room, before some time later a nurse walks in smiling telling Jeno that he can be discharged. He doesn't dare to ask about you, or the aftermath. Deciding to just leave it in the past. Besides, he doesn't have to care about it since the deja vu seems to have stopped and also you're gone and he won't have to worry about seeing you again. Chenle offers him a lift home, and Jeno accepts.
"Oh by the way, today is Friday." Chenle speaks when dropping Jeno off in the house with a mischievous smile on his face, as he points to his cheek. "I'm all better and I can still remember the punch."
"Man, I'm really sorry," Jeno says, no energy to fight with Chenle. After the crazy aftermath that this day had to unpack, Jeno easily apologizes, knowing that perhaps he was- he shakes his head, trying not to let himself think about it. "I guess I wasn't feeling awake when I did that…" He just wants to close this crazy week that he's had. From deja vu's to sudden death? Surely not on his bucket list, but now it'll be a core memory. After departing from Chenle's car, Jeno enters into this apartment getting ready for bed. Tomorrow he'd need to find excuses for missing out on his shifts. He scoffs a little thinking how at some point in time during the deja vu's, he got the chance to be promoted into another work space. That would've been awesome.
Shutting the lights, he can't help but stare into the darkness… hearing the screeching sound of some tires- his eyes open up again, remembering the sight of your car driving straight into the tree. His heartbeats fast. The stress of being kicked out of the house must've eaten you alive and just allowed you to spiral. He's convinced now that what you did at the hospital was your attempt of leaving the world - and driving straight towards the tree was probably also your other attempt of leaving the world.
What could've happened in your life for you to just want to end it all and not give it another try? It couldn't just have been Jaemin cheating and leaving you… Jeno ponders on, wondering why only he was able to have those crazy deja vu's… he saved you, but still you ended up killing yourself.
Before his mind drifts off to sleep, he wonders… if by chance, if he had another deja vu repeat day… would he have tried to help you out in a different way?
"I guess I'll never know," Jeno shuts his eyes, sleep taking over him.
A dream manifests itself, nothing uncommon. However he beings hearing voices.
"Remember, so that I don't forgot."
"I love you."
"Don't die."
-
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
Jeno's ears twitch by the sounds of the gunfire as he slowly awakens. His eyes stiffly peel open and stare into nothing. He traces the space around him, his ears trying to hear all that's happening, he exhales before he sits up… Is that Mark again? "When will he stop doing that?" Jeno grunts getting off the bed, he doesn't bother checking on Mark, already having had enough of his neighbor. Jeno yawns out, looking at the time 10 a.m. This might start becoming an everyday thing with Mark trying to 'shoot' the 'ghosts'. Jeno goes straight for the window… his eyes already spotting the tragic tank top of the yoga man, he sees a guy jogging with headphones. A bird lands on a power line. The neighbor’s dog poops on the sidewalk. Calm as anything. Mailman doing his rounds. Wind gently nudging the leaves- all familiar traits. But then freshly on his mind comes… your body, leg twisted to the side, blood pooling around your body and clothes - people shouting and scream. Jeno shuts his eyes. The image too disturbing, and he doesn't want to ruin his day.
He gets back on his bed, trying to get back to sleep so that he can be ready for his night shift.
But then his phone vibrates. Jeno doesn't know why, however the moment his heart actually skips a beat, he holds onto his chest. A terrible feeling rising up… The last he remembers about his phone, is that it got destroyed in the explosion after your car burned up. The whole of yesterday he was at the hospital with no phone… Jeno raises up. His hand finds his phone checking the time and date.
"No, no, no, fuck! NO!" Jeno grabs the pillow throwing it over his head yelling and punching out. He gets off the bed frantically dressing up- but stops. Hands itching to throw a punch at something, anything at all. He holds himself back, trying to breath in and out and calm himself down. This can't be happening. "NOT AGAIN!" He can't help the yell that escapes his throat. "Okay just be normal! Just be normal! Why- why-why?!" Jeno yells out. But he tries to calm down.
Jeno jumps when his phone rings. Must be Chenle. Jeno picks it up quickly. "Chenle? Do you remember me punching you yesterday?" Jeno asks out as his first question.
"What? Punch? Did you have a weird dream?" Chenle coughs, a chuckle leaves his lips, indicating to Jeno that indeed the day has repeated as Chenle doesn't sound upset with him- but sick, like all those other repeat days.
"Dude something is wrong with me." Jeno rubs his temple, his thoughts going all over the place even though he tries to explain to Chenle the situation. "You're not gonna believe me, but I need you to listen to me well Chenle."
"Alright…" Chenle sounds unsure, however he gives his ear.
"I don't know what's going on, but I think I'm cursed."
"Cursed?" Chenle chortles. "How and why?"
"This day, this Thursday, it keeps repeating itself. It has repeated itself like 4 or 5 times now… At first I thought it's a dream, but it's not!- it's vivid and I can remember everything. I've repeated this Thursday 4 times now, and the 5th time which was yesterday- yesterday was Friday- and it was different."
"Okay…" Chenle awkwardly clears his throat. "Um. Let's see. Jeno uh, are you sure about what you're saying?"
"Yes I'm fucking sure! The days keep repeating themselves! And I keep waking up to the same day."
"Do you perhaps know why the days are repeating themselves?"
"No, but I can tell you of the same repeated activities I've had, you sent me to some man's house because you're sick and I witness this couple fighting- okay wait the guy wants to divorce her, but so far I've seen him kick her out once, the other time she's stealing your truck, the other time she gets in a terrible accident and then-" Jeno pauses thinking of you. "Wait, if this day has repeated, that means… she's alive…" Jeno suddenly thinks. Each encounter with you was different… could you…. be the reason to why all of this is happening? His eyes then enlarge slightly… "No way. It can't be."
"Jeno, I'm not following you," Chenle makes his presence known again over the phone call. "I think you slept well. Really well to the point where you dreamt a dream inside of a dream multiple of times. You know what my Chinese family says about deja vu? That's it's a moment that is so important, so so important that your soul refuses to let you forget about it… wait or is it a dream acting as a rehearsal for a moment your life depended on? Or maybe it's because you're stressed and tired," Chenle hums out confused before letting out a sigh. "Anyway, tomato tomato, potato potato, never mind man, what matters is that you slept so well. Anyway, I've got a moving job that I need your help with-"
Chenle goes on to asking the favour for the job, bopping up the price to a 100 and before Jeno knows it, the call has cut and he gets ready for the day. However he can't get what Chenle said out of his head… a dream acting as a rehearsal for a moment that life depended on? What does that even mean? Could this day be repeating for a reason- at that he thinks about you again. Your life has literally been brought back to life. He'll only believe it when he sees you. But what are the odd chances that this day is repeating itself because of you? Many people die, so why only is his day repeating- there must be something else. Something else… Jeno has to figure it out, otherwise these days will become like nightmares for him.
He gets ready, and puts on a black buttoned shirt and pants. Heads to Chenle's work place and passes by the manager who shakes his head. This is all a strong deja vu for Jeno, but he pushes on. The mansion is still the same, and even Jaemin…
"Ah! You must be… Chenle?" Jeno senses the confused stare from Jaemin, but remains calm. Why is he looking at him like that? Jeno clears his throat, allowing Jaemin to be snapped out of his thoughts, he looks at his wrist watch and then faintly chuckles. "I'm sorry, I…" Jaemin motions for Jeno to enter. "Sorry, deja vu. I wasn't expecting you till 3 in the afternoon, step in." Jeno walks in with hesitancy and confusion listening to Jaemin's words. Did Jaemin just say deja vu? Jeno's tempted to ask questions, however Jaemin gets back on track. "I'm Jaemin, I called for relocation services. I already got the maids to pack the things you'll be carrying, so you don't have to worry about moving around the house- that's already taken care off. All you'll do is carry the boxes to your truck. I'm sorry but I thought they'd be two of you."
Jeno stiffly smiles. "Are you okay sir?" Jeno asks instead of replying with the repeated words. If this is deja vu and if what Chenle -said is true… then something in the 'universe' is depending on him not to repeat the same mistakes of yesterday… or rather the day Thursday. This day must be important, and he has to keep in track with everything. Even Jaemin who seems oddly suspicious.
"Okay?" Jaemin looks around and then chuckles. "Yes I am, I'm sorry about that, my head is a bit clouded. You're free to work, I've got an important day ahead of me. I really have to get going."
"No problem." Jeno nods, getting to work. The work still needs to be done. He works - this time he doesn't put on any earphones, because he anticipates that after some time when he's nearly done you'll arrive. No sooner then later, Jaemin drives off even strangely waving to Jeno, before he pauses his car besides Jeno.
"Hey listen, my wife will be back any time, you can let her sign the bill of lading." And just as Jaemin drives off, Jeno carries on working. It's muscle memory at this point as he puts in all the boxes accordingly in the truck- with all the practices he's been having, it seems easier to even finish on time. And but the time your car pulls up, Jeno unintentionally pauses everything he's doing… one because he wants to see if it's really you, and two because he's surprised seeing as he's neatly arranged all the boxes inside the truck… meaning there's no box for you to check.
He doesn't know why, but he feels relief upon seeing you. Alive. Rapidly getting out of your vehicle confused, you rush up to him.
This is it- He's about to meet you for the first time… again.
"Excuse me are those my things? Where are you taking my things?"
Instead of going back and forth with you, Jeno steps forward cautiously, watching you glare him down. You're so angry. But you're very much alive. He's got a feeling, a hunch that for some reason… the day could be restarting again either because of Jaemin… or you. From the looks of it, Jaemin seems he's aware of some kind of deja vu - but you don't. Jeno's mind works like fast cogs as he wonders about your safety and health. He thinks back to Friday - for some reason Thursday didn't repeat itself and went straight to Friday. Could it have been because you were alive? If he wasn't there on Thursday… there could be a chance that you crashed in that tree and died… hence the repeated days for him.
It's a far stretch, but it's the only good thing Jeno has for now. He just doesn't know why he's affected. If this is a 'you and Jaemin' problem, then he shouldn't be involved… perhaps he was involved because he witnessed Jaemin kicking you out-
"Earth to moron?" You snap your fingers fast in his face and shove him back by the shoulder. "Listen here, you better get my stuff out that truck or else-"
A loud gasp leaves your throat as Jeno grabs your arms tightly and calls your name. "Listen here ma'am, I don't know how you're going to take this but your husband is leaving you tonight. He's leaving you for some other woman-"
"Bullshit. Don't you dare move another box." With that you push Jeno back and get back in your car and drive to the stairs. Jeno's surprised that even your car is the same. He doesn't move the boxes as you say, however he waits… and then he just decides to go inside the house. Knocking twice on the door, a servant opens it up and leads him upstairs. Jeno waits, and just like last time you're seen coming out of a specific room. "What are you doing here?"
You're dressed in that familiar red dress that highlights your gorgeous figure, and he can only remember how he last saw you sprawled out on the floor broken and hurt… dead. "I…" Jeno tries to rephrase his words in a way that won't get you to be upset or mad. But it's inevitable. "I know it's none of my business, but I overheard your husband talking to another woman. He told me to pack up all your things and once you arrive that I need to take you where ever you want to go."
You simply stare at him, confused and unable to speak. There's a flash of sadness, and then worry and then confusion. "Su, call the police, call security, call Officer Lee."
"Wait," Jeno shakes his head. "What?" he asks confused. "Your husband wants to throw you out- and you're calling the cops? You should be cutting your loses right now before something bad happens to you?"
"Look here crazy person!" You snap snapping your finger in his face with a hand over your hip. "I don't know you. You're just a stranger, a strange mover telling me my life is a lie. If there's one thing I know about Jaemin, is that he'd never leave me. I'm everything he needs."
"But-"
"Ma'am I've called the police, security and Officer Lee."
Jeno's eyes widen as he shakes his head, trying not to get mad. For some reason he doesn't even fear going to jail - something in him tells him he's going to restart the day. "If you send me to jail, I can't prevent what he'll do to you-" Jeno states.
But you scoff and fold your arms. "Su take down the number plate of his truck and send it to me. Listen here mister, I'll sue you for defamation. You think you can waltz in my house, I'll sue you for unauthorized access in my house, also known as trespassing. You're not getting away with anything, I don't care even if my husband called you, you're going to jail and I'll surely get a civil lawsuit against you as well for taking my belongings without my consent-"
"What the hell- why're you acting like a bitch lawyer? You're husband-"
"I'll let you know that I am a lawyer and anything you say right now will be used against you. Did you just call me a bitch? You could end up in jail for a breach of public peace-"
"Why are you so 'mean' woman?"
"Because you're not being 'nice' man." You firmly state, eyes enraged and Jeno just stares at you in disbelief. He's reminded of the conversation he had with you the first night you were kicked out. You were complicated. He thought you'd be soft since you are potentially dealing with some form of suicidal thoughts- but he's mistaken when he sees the scowl on your face and you type away on your phone mentioning that you will be charging for several things.
Without thinking, Jeno grabs you by your shoulders shaking you once. "You're ruining my life every time you die!" he whisper yells, seething through his teeth. "Why the fuck can't you be cooperative and leave your damn husband? He's the real jerk here, I've seen this before, he kicks you out of his house and then you kill yourself-"
"I'll sue you for harassment- Let me go!"
"Police! Step away from the madam."
"Officer Lee get this lunatic of a man away from me!" You dramatically growl in annoyance once Jeno is getting cuffed up by the police. "I'll be suing him so take him to a holding center. He grabbed me, yelled at me, swore me, moved my things without my consent, trespassed and drove his vehicle unauthorized-"
Jeno tries to refrain the words that want to spill out but he can't help himself- "You know what, now I can see why you're going through what you're going through. You're crazy." He says all this while being forced down the stairs by the Officer Lee.
"Stop talking. You've got every right to remain silence."
You don’t even look at him. You stand on that grand marble staircase, chin tilted high, the image of a woman who believes her life is perfect. You watch them drag the "crazy mover" away with a look of pure disgust.
Outside, there's a few man in black with 'Security' over their shirts, as they scan the truck and begin to unload the contents in the truck. "What the hell?" Jeno grunts as he's stuffed in the car being told of his 'rights'. He rolls head and shuts his eyes. He can't believe that this is happening to him… but for some reason, he feels disassociated with reality - especially knowing that he might wake up to the same day.
"You're in hot waters now pal. Do you know who Y/n is?" Jeno's eyes open when feeling the car move, as well as the lips of the police. "The bulldog face of the largest lawsuit enterprise in the country. You mess with her, you mess with the cruel punishments of the law. Whether you deserved it or not, you've just unleashed the hounds on hell on you. She'll get you in prison." The officer rambles on about your authority and power, and all Jeno can wonder is how on earth he's ever going to go back to his normal life when you don't even want to accept help.
"This is bull." he mumbles.
Jeno spends the next several hours in a cold, dim holding cell. He doesn't pace. He doesn't yell. He just sits on the bench, staring at the concrete floor, counting the seconds. He knows the rhythm of this day now. He knows that while he is sitting here, Jaemin is bringing another woman into that house. He knows that while he is trapped, you are discovering the truth.
At 10:00 PM, the officer taps the bars. "You're lucky. Honestly you are. Na Jaemin dropped the charges on behalf of Y/n. Said he didn't want the paperwork. Get out."
Jeno steps out into the night air. His phone is dead, black screen, no ride, no GPS. He's angry, but he's got no choice but to start walking until he finds a familiar spot. Next time he'll remind himself to bring some money or even food. This day itself is exhausting. He chuckles bitterly being thankful that at least he did something different today instead of following in his regular routine. It's actually been kind of nice not being to work, and worrying about other things then his preocupied and simple life.
He starts walking. The air is thick and humid. He walks past the closed shops and the flickering LED signs, his heart and mood slowly rising up again, feeling better.
But then, he hears it. The silence of the night is shattered by a sickening sound. Tires screeching and then a loud crash on the empty road. His head sharply turns to the sound, behind a building. Jeno sprints toward the sound near the alleyway. He reaches the bend in the road where the old oak tree stands- or rather tilts with a dent in it's arks. The black Jaguar is crumpled against the trunk, steam hissing from the engine. He doesn't call the police this time. He just runs to the door and pulls on it with all his might.
It opens easily. You are slumped over the wheel. There is no explosion this time- just a quiet, devastating stillness. He reaches for your pulse. But it's already clear from your tear-filled face as well as empty cold half open eyes that you're no longer living.
You are gone.
Jeno doesn't cry. He just stares at you… his heart aching and shifting at the sight. Your sassy talk an echo in his mind, as he wonders what pushed you to do this to yourself? He just learnt that you're a lawyer and you're a really great one- so someone with all that power… how could they still crumble and die a pitiful death? Could it really have been because of your husband throwing you outside of the house?
He backs away from the car, his eyes finding it hard to leave your face. The sight is bitter yet sweet… you look like that painting derived from Hamlet, Ophelia, a tragic character… who was struck with madness yet was still innocent.
Jeno ends up taking a seat on the grass next to the wreck, the car blows up and Jeno gets impacted slightly, but he doesn't move. In fact he lays on the ground… your burnt dead body in the car… Staring at the moon until his eyes grow heavy, Jeno stays there all night, a silent sentry for a woman who has died thinking she is 'unloved'. It doesn't help that nobody comes to save you.
Eventually, exhaustion wins and Jeno shuts his eyes.
- Once Jeno begins dreaming… it's cut short by a voice.
"Remember so that I don't forgot."
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Jeno doesn't bolt upright. He just opens his eyes and stares at the ceiling. It's one thing to restart the day, it's a whole other thing to wake up to gunshoots. Mark.
"One of these days, I'm gonna kill him and wake up to do the same thing over and over again." he grumbles out in annoyance.
And just as he gets up to give Mark a piece of his mind, his mind clicks to reality, to last night… or rather the repeat day. It finally clicks. He isn't looping because of the job or the money. He is looping because of you. The universe won't let him leave Thursday until he figures out how to keep you on this earth. Unlike all the other days, Jeno grabs his phone and types your name. It's a pretty commonly unique name, yet when he adds lawyer right there next to it- the name holds weight and power.
A real female under dog. Parents abandoned you when you were younger but you honed your intelligence like a shield and fought the good fight. Up until you got yourself involved with Jaemin… Thank goodness for the internet, Jeno reads through some headlines and scandals of your 'celebrity like' relationship with Jaemin. Jeno does a double take when realizing that Jaemin is practically famous. A personal doctor in a specialized field.
And then his phone rings.
"Chenle did you know that the person you're about to send me to, Jaemin is a fucking celebrity?"
"Hello to you too?" Chenle coughs, sounding sick but still amused. "Bro, I don't even know who that is," Chenle responds, making Jaemin wonder about how famous Jaemin is- especially if Chenle doesn't know him. "Anyway, uh, I was hoping you could do me a favour-"
"Yeah yeah, add a 100." Jeno adds with boredom and then cuts the call already knowing the morning routine of this whole day. He goes through the motions with the efficiency of a machine. He takes Chenle's job. Meets a 'confused' Jaemin. Packs the boxes. He doesn't try to convince you when you arrive- he knows you won't believe him. Instead, he waits. The time goes by slow, and just when it reaches peak afternoon around 6pm, he watches the servants of the house leave and he takes that as his sign to 'sneak' into the house.
His initial plan was to investigate and get a better chance to know who exactly he's trying to save. Obviously it's you- he has to keep you from dying. But he wants to know more about you, why a bombshell woman like yourself would rather take the high road to death rather then just live through a break up. The house is massive- he avoids going up the stairs because he knows you're there, however downstairs isn't so safe either. Despite the many places to hide, Jeno's heart beats fast every single time he hears your hilled footsteps echoing around. The mansion is surely lived in and doesn't echo silence. You're all over the place making it hard for Jeno to stay in one place. Not being seated, walking up and down, preparing food and decorations, answering calls-
"I know right, I wanted to do something special for him. It's our one year anniversary, and I think he deserves just the best. This morning he gave me a five thousand voucher to go on a crazy shopping spree. And then when I got back home, I found out he also bought me new clothes and threw all my old ones away. Can you believe it? So yeah obviously I have to do something extravegant for him." you laugh into one call. "I've planned the whole trip. We're going to Dubai in a couple of days, and I'm so excited as this will be the first trip alone. Finally we can start acting like a married couple instead of work work work-"
Jeno gathers intel about you. As well as Jaemin. Tonight, on this Thursday- just like all the other Thursday's is your one year annivarsary with Jaemin. You've planned out a surprise for him. You're sweet and thoughtful. Jeno notes. He sneaks up the stairs quickly when you head into the downstairs kitchen. Looking at the gigantic clock on the wall, Jeno ducks when realizing it's almost time for Jaemin to arrive and then just in time-
The front door opens. "Shit." He lays on the ground and shifts until he's behind a wall. He sees Jaemin-
"Why the hell are you still here?" Despite the voice being low, Jeno can hear the irritation clogged in Jaemin's tone. Wow. Already to a heavy start. Jeno notes how this won't be an easy listen.
Jeno can't see you, but he hears you. "Jaemin, please don't start this, let's be good tonight. Happy anniversary honey-"
"I told you I don't want to be with you anymore-"
"And you were angry when you said that. Look, I just want us to be good- just for tonight. Is that so hard?"
"Yes Y/n it is hard." Jaemin's tone cuts through. "And I have something to tell you-"
"No, no words, just touch me, kiss me, do anything else but yell or be grumpy- look I even got you a gift. Happy anniversary-"
Jaemin calls your name sternly as if trying to shut you up. Jeno tries to peak from the wall he's behind, while still being on the floor on his stomach. He makes out Jaemin's figure and you're outstretched hand handing him a tiny black box.
"Aren't you gonna open it?"
But Jaemin calls your name again, yet you place a hand over his lips.
"Jaemin please, I don't want to fight tonight. I saw the clothes in the wardrobe and they look so gorgeous, I mean some of them I need to get them tailored because they're too small, and others aren't my taste nonetheless I love them and I appreciate that you did this-"
Jaemin holds onto your hand as you try to touch his face. He says something that Jeno can't hear, yet when the front door opens and he sees that skimpy lady in the short black dress, Jeno can tell that it's time.
Jaemin starts again. "I need to tell you something-"
But you cut him off. "Jaemin I thought I told you to quit it with this prostitute." Your voice is loud, and Jeno wonders if he shoud even intervene. Especially knowing how this will end. "What is she doing here?"
"I asked her to come." Jaemin responds, stretching his arm back and allowing the skimpy woman to smugly take a hold of his hand and step forward. While the lady seductively walks closer to Jaemin with a smirk on her face, Jeno begins understanding a little bit more of the situation. "There's no easy way to say this, but this one year has taught me that I don't want to be committed to a woman who psycho-analyzes everything I do."
The nerve is struck when the skimpy lady opens her mouth and talks. "Is she wearing the dress I picked out?" Jeno's eyes widen when recalling the words… the clothes belong to this skimpy lady. "Why are you wearing my clothes?"
"Your clothes?" You breath out in shock. "Jaemin, it's our anniversary today, how could you?" You sound upset and even vulnerable.
"Our marriage has run it's course Y/n and I'm tired of you."
"Jaemin." You back away, away from the view of Jeno.
"It's over. I hired some guy and a moving truck to pack all your things and take you anywhere you want to go-"
"What are you trying to say?"
"Why are you acting so surprised? As if this is new? Get it in your head, I don't want this anymore. I think I'm being more than fair when asking for a divorce. Come on, don't act so surprised," Jaemin gives the most disgusted face ever. "I haven't touched you in a year. We haven't spoken in months because you're always busy with work. And oh god- I can't count how many times I've had to cancel dinner reservations because you had to work overtime. I haven't been happy in this marriage."
"Jaemin, honey, don't say shit like this. Don't say that-" You hiccup.
Jeno watches how the skimpy lady looks at you with amusement, even taking a seat on the large couch with a little chuckle. So cynical. "Please don't tell me you're one of those begging girls, you're too grown for that."
You ignore the skimpy lady and continue speaking, directing all your attention to Jaemin. "What am I supposed to do without you?"
"You're a bright girl. You'll figure it out. Take alimony. Clean me dry if that's what you want. Remove all your money from my account- heck go ahead and clear out my bank accounts. I don't care. All you ever think about is money, so take it all. Take everything you want, but this house. I own this house, you came here with nothing, you can leave with what you've earned throughout our time together. Sue me if you want. You signed a prenup, so take all that you want. But I'll have you know right now, that it's over. We need to separate because I can't do this anymore."
"You're mad Jaemin. I'm not leaving."
"No?" Jaemin clutches his jaw, chuckling bitterly. "Yes, you are. Don't make me act out, the truck is still outside. So just be obedient like you've always been and leave."
"Jaemin… please, just look at me." Your fingers claw at his sleeves gripping him tightly, slowly shaking him. "I'm the sweetheart you wanted to marry when we were just kids. We were sweethearts, Jaemin. We were kids when we started seeing each other. Ten years… how do you throw ten years onto the sidewalk like it’s trash? Jaemin, look at me. It’s me. It’s your wife. It's the girl who stayed up with you while you cried over your first surgery. How could you say these words to me? How could you… how could you do this to me? How could you say this to me?"
Your voice doesn't just tremble; it fractures, it brittles, a jagged sound that seems to come from your lungs rather than your throat.
"Jaemin, wait. This isn't- we can fix this. You're not thinking straight." You try to speak, and Jeno watches you get on your knees. Begging. "How could you do this to me? After everything I sacrificed for your career to thrive? Jaemin, it's me! I can do anything you want me to. I've always put you first. Even this work that I do- it's just for you. I'm your lawyer. How many cases have I defended you when you were guilty? Jaemin you can't do this to me. You're talking to me like I'm a stranger. You're looking at me like I'm a mistake. Please… please don’t do this to me. Not like this. Okay fine, what do you want me to do? Just say it- Please don't leave me."
"Y/n be a lady and leave quietly." Jaemin holds you up to stand to your feet, but you're shaking your head walking forward, and muttering out 'no'.
"Jaemin?" It' a small, broken sound, the sound of a child realizing they're lost. "How can you even think of doing this to me?" Your voice trails off into a ragged whisper. "How can you say these things? How can you do this to me when you know I have no one else? Jaemin, please… it's me. Don't you see me anymore? You said if you have me you have everything."
"I'm not going to say it again. Get up. And leave."
"No." You back away leaving him, not believing that this is your fate. "I'm not leaving you with this scarlet witch slut."
"Leave before I lose my temper."
"NO! I AM NOT LEAVING!" you yell out, your voice cracking painfully in the middle. "You don't get to do this! You don't get to delete ten years of my life and just… just throw me away!" Jeno listens and watches at how you aren't fighting for the furniture or the money; you're fighting for the right to exist in the life you sacrificed everything for.
"You what?" Jaemin asks confused. "I don't get the right to throw you away? Do you know what the fuck you've done to me? You've drained me! Mentally! Physically! I can't think when I'm with you! My ideas run dry whenever I'm here- stuck with you! I hate you Y/n- I hate you so much that I just want you to die- you know what- I think that'll make me happy. I want you to die. Die! Now fucking leave my house before I make you!"
Jeno's pulse quickens, as he watches the shadow play of the assault through the tall French doors. He can't stand it- the way Jaemin's hands clamp onto your frame, the raw, brutal force of him manhandling you across the marble floor like you're nothing but a nuisance to be cleared. The scene is reaching a drastic state. Every one of your jagged, desperate screams is followed by the sharp shatter of expensive porcelain and the heavy, sickening thud of furniture being overturned as Jaemin drags you by your waist. It isn't just an argument anymore… it's something he's deeply involved in now.
He watches how you try to hold onto literally anything - but it's no use, because after fiercely picking you up, he throws you out.
And then finally the door shuts, tightly with an extra bass to the house locking sound. Silence. Your voice is muffled as you cry out Jaemin's name.
Jaemin pants, his breath hitching as he rakes his fingers through his disheveled hair, the adrenaline of the struggle still radiating off him. He barely has time to steady himself before the other woman glides toward him, pressing into his space. She murmurs sweet nothings against his skin, and Jeno feels a wave of pure nausea as he watches Jaemin sink into her embrace, seeking comfort in her kiss while the echoes of your screams are still hanging in the air.
Well… now he wonders how to leave the house. To leave before you go on and do what Jaemin told you- to kill yourself. Jeno shakes his head. The urge to run down the stairs and punch Jaemin being so high right now.
"Can you believe that bitch? I can't believe you let her leave with my dress. I'm so pissed."
"Don't worry, I'll get you a new one,"
As a new wave of kisses echoes through the hollow house, Jaemin and the woman disappear deeper into the rooms, leaving the foyer silent and empty. Seizing the opening, Jeno slips down the stairs, his movements fueled by a sudden, sharp surge of courage. He reaches the front door, fumbling with the lock for only a second before bursting out into the night air- only to see your taillights bleeding into the distance as your car roars away.
Jeno sprints for the truck. It’s heavy and slow, but he has to try. Anything is better than letting the clock reset; he refuses to let the day restart only for you to suffer through that brutal confrontation all over again.
The engine groans to life as Jeno reverses and guns it, chasing after your reckless path. You're driving like someone with nothing left to lose, smashing straight through the security barrier at the gate without slowing down. Even as your car vanishes from his sight, Jeno doesn't hesitate. He knows exactly where you're heading- to that oak tree and the twisted metal of the accident. Gripping the wheel, he takes a sharp turn, pushing the truck to its limit as he attempts a shortcut, desperate to reach the crash site before you do.
He begins to wonder and think about a potential plan. What will he do? With the speed you're at, there's no stopping you with words.
After a few frantic turns, Jeno skids onto the main road. He’s made it. He swerves the truck, positioning it as a jagged shield in front of the oak tree, and leaps out. The distant roar of an engine grows louder, the high-pitched whine of a vehicle pushed to its breaking point. You're coming, and you're coming fast.
He begins waving his arms frantically, a desperate silhouette against the dark. He fumbles for his phone- 16% battery but he snaps on the flashlight, whipping the beam back and forth as he stands dead-center in the road.
The headlights finally crest the hill, blinding and furious. Jeno's heart hammers against his ribs, he has no idea if the loop protects him. If you die, the day restarts, but if he dies? It's a gamble- one that he's willing to take. He is the only thing standing between you and the end.
The car doesn't slow down. It's a bullet of steel and glass aimed straight for his chest. Jeno begins running across the street. Back and forth- darting left, then right, jumping in the path of death to force you to see him.
The screech of burning rubber tears through the night. Jeno's body goes rigid. He shuts his eyes, bracing for the bone-shattering impact, and waits for the world to go black-
BANG!
"Dad! You have to save mum! Dad, save her! Please!"
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
Jeno jolts up from his bed, breathing frantically holding onto his chest- where his heart is about to beat outside of his body! Did he die? Did he die? He didn't feel anything- so he knows he must've died because he's waking up again on a Thursday. Checking on his phone rapidly, Jeno grunts and runs a hand over his face. "Fuck."
He lays back on the bed, yet sits right up remembering hearing voices just before the impact. He tries to remember the words he heard echoing around. In his dark room, he blocks out his ears, the air suddenly feels cold. Distant as he brings himself back to that moment. He doesn't know if it was a group of people or what, but he recalls the voices of a child or children… Static crackles in his ears like an old radio, and through the noise, a chorus of small, desperate voices pierces through the void:
"Dad! You have to save mum! Dad, save her! Please!"
And his eyes open wide upon his memory returning.
The words don't make sense. "Dad save mum?" and then he remembers the other times when he heard voices in his dreams. "Remember so that I don't forget?" he sighs. "What the hell is going on?
And then his phone rings. Jeno ignores the buzzing on his phone, knowing it's from Chenle. He returns to ponder on the words…
Jeno shakes his head at the random first thought that comes. He grunts. "Ugh Chenle, what the hell did you get me into?"
At this point, everything that Jeno knows to be his life is over. Three different part time jobs is a thing of the past, he doesn't sleep during the day anymore, and his thoughts have only been filled with you. Even as he drives to your place, greets a confused Jaemin and gets to work, you fill his mind. You come in your vehicle (the same ride that killed him) and you yell for him to stop packing your stuff- but Jeno's been through this so many times, that he continues packing. And waits until the truck is full.
Today is the day he'll make you survive. But then:
'Dad! You have to save mum! Dad, save her! Please'
The words echo in his ears. Who is this dad? Who is that mum? Why are the begging him to 'save her'? Is the her the same mum? And why did he only get this dream when he was knocked out dead… Nothing makes sense. Nothing feels real anymore.
He's brought back to reality when his phone rings. He knows it's Chenle, and with less dread then all the other days, he gets up on a mission. Cleans himself up well, makes sure he seems good and leaves. Nothing out of the 'ordinary' happens. Same confused boss, same road, some maids, same you yelling at him to put your things back, same maids leaving at the same knock off time, and even Jaemi appearing under the dark sky confused.
"You're still here?"
Jeno explains the bill of lading issue like it's no big deal, because he knows it doesn't really matter. What matters on the other hand, is the next scene, the scene where it gets heavy. Jaemin signs the paper, asuring Jeno that he'll get you out. And that's when Jeno steps up. Because he knows how this will end, and he doesn't want to see it, or have a repeat of it. "Hey, do you think I could come with you?"
"Where? Inside my house?"
"Yes," Jeno smiles tightly. "She was actually very… rude to me. And I just want to make sure that she's alright with leaving with me, instead of getting surprised."
Jaemin is actually stunned by that. He tilts his head to the side, no look of despair, just wonder. "Uh, yeah. No problem."
Jaemin watches how Jeno takes his steps towards the house and follows right behind him. "I swear I've seen this guy before." Jaemin mutters under his breath.
Rae, his new girlfriend seated on the passenger seat, gently brushes his hair, patting it. "What's wrong bae?"
"Nothing. Just another worker almost overstepping their boundary line." Jaemin kisses her knuckles, gently squeezing her hand while driving up the little pathway. "It seems like the 'madam' is still in the house, I've gotta take her out."
"That bitch annoys the hell out of me. You know she claimed I was guilty in court, and I didn't even do anything."
"I know sweety. This will be the last time we'll deal with her. So, wait in the car, I'll be back."
"Wait?" She scoffs. "I'll give you a head start of 20 seconds."
Jaemin smiles, before he unbuckles his seatbelt preparing himself for what's to come when he is facing you. Truth be told, he had forced himself to be with you, when in reality he didn't love you. He's tried getting rid of you, but you always held on, no matter what, no matter the arguments. While he admired your persistence, he hated how much affection you had for him. Because no matter what, he couldn't show you back that same love. So as he stands next to Jeno and presses the numbers, he opens up the house door.
The warmth of the house spills out, a warmth that Jeno knows is about to turn ice-cold, especially when he sees the passenger door open and the skimpy lady walk up the staircase of the house. Jaemin looks uneasy, however he's got a determined face. Jeno wonders what is going on through Jaemin's head in this moment.
The foyer is decorated with flowers, yellow tulips that you're fixing near the kitchen entrance. You get the glass of champagne in your hand, your face lighting up when the door opens and you see Jaemin. "Honey-"
"Why the hell are you still here?" he questions in a low tone.
Your voice dies in your throat. Your gaze shifts from Jaemin to the 'prostitute' standing in his shadow, and finally to Jeno, who is lingering by the door.
Jeno watches you. He searches your eyes for any flicker of the 'Mum' the voices screamed for. For a split second, your eyes lock with his. You don't yell this time. You don't threaten to call the cops, instead, you tilt your head, a look of profound, haunting confusion crossing your features. It's as if you're looking at a ghost you recognize but can't name.
"Y/n," Jaemin starts, his voice flat and clinical. "I’m not going to make this a long night. Please just be a lady and leave quietly."
"Jaemin, what is this?" Your hand trembles, you leave the champagne on the table with the yellow flowers and pick up a black square gift box. "You're supposed to come in and say 'happy anniversary', not bring all these strange people. Why is this prostitute here? Why is the mover still here?"
"He's here to finish the job," Jaemin says, stepping into your personal space. He doesn't touch you yet, but Jeno sees his shoulders square up. Jeno notices how Jaemin tries to remain civil - perhaps because of the people around him. "The truck is packed. You and I are through." Jaemin says lazy, causing Jeno to speak - out of place.
"What he means to say is that, it doesn't have to end in chaos, just follow me out the door
The woman in the black dress giggles, a sharp, metallic sound that grates against Jeno’s nerves. He shifts his weight, his eyes darting between you and Jaemin. He is waiting for the moment Jaemin’s patience snaps.
"You’re joking," you whisper, the lawyer in you trying to find a loophole in a nightmare. "This is some kind of sick anniversary prank. It has to be." you pick up your glass, your hands shaking as you try to drink and laugh it off.
"It's not a prank, Y/n." Jaemin reaches out, his hand wrapping around your wrist to pull the glass away. But you don't budge, causing Jaemin's jaw to tense up. "Stop drinking and leave."
Jeno moves before he can think- especially when seeing Jaemin grabbing onto both of your wrists almost violently. He steps forward, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "I'll take over from here. It doesn't have to get physical, and you just can't deal with someone like that. For fucks sake it's your anniversary and you didn't even warn her that you'd do this shit."
Jaemin freezes, his head snapping toward Jeno. The woman on the couch stops laughing. Even you look at him, stunned by the sheer audacity of the hired help.
"I'll deal with her the way I want to deal with her." Jaemin’s voice is a low, dangerous growl.
Jeno doesn't back down. He feels the ghost of those voices pushing at his back. Dad, save her. The way he feels in his heart right now in this moment speaks volumes. A part of him is certain that those voices were trying to call out to him- that he is the dad… and that you… are the mum… meaning in some twisted way… "I said don't touch her," Jeno repeats, his eyes burning into Jaemin's hands over her wrists. "You signed the bill of lading, I'll take over from here."
The air in the foyer turns heavy. Jaemin lets out a sharp, incredulous laugh, dropping your wrist as he turns fully toward Jeno. "I don’t know what kind of hero-complex you've got, but you're a hired hand. You don't get to mingle in our personal affairs. Get out before I have you arrested."
"Jaemin, stop it!" you yell, your voice cracking. You look between them, the champagne glass slipping from your numb fingers and shattering on the marble. The sound is like a starting pistol. You scramble back, chest heaving. "Who is this? Why are you doing this to me? I- I know you're upset but please I planned a trip for us, and I want to make it better."
"There is no trip, Y/n! There is no us!" Jaemin screams, finally losing the mask of calm. He lunges toward you, not to hit, but to grab your arm and drag you toward the door. "Both of you, out! Take your trash and your 'bodyguard' and get out of my sight!"
"No! I am not leaving!" You fight him, your heels skidding on the spilled alcohol, your hands clawing at the air. "Jaemin, please!"
Jeno doesn't wait for the violence to escalate, instead he steps in, his large frame wedging between you and Jaemin. "Let's just leave." With a firm but careful grip, he hooks his arm around your waist, hoisting you back.
"Let go of me! Who do you think you are?" you scream, pummeling Jeno’s chest with your fists. You are a whirlwind of silk and rage, your eyes bloodshot with the suddenness of your life ending.
"He isn't worth it," Jeno grunts, absorbing your blows as he maneuvers you toward the exit. "He clearly doesn't want to stay so let's go."
"Put me down this instant! I will fucking kill you! Do you know who I am?" you howl, but the door slams shut behind you, the click of the deadbolt sounding like a guillotine.
Jeno doesn't stop. He carries you, kicking and sobbing- "You don't need him."
You grunt out in pure anger. "AHHHH! Who the hell are you?" You stand up- with all sorts of emotions reflecting in your eyes. The tears that threaten to spill are a mixture of rage and sorrow once you prey with all your might and finally get out of his tight grasp. "Do you even know who I am?" you push him back with all your strength grating your teeth struggling to stop yourself from trembling from anger and disbelief. "I can sue you for meddling in my personal life- you put your hands on me- you dragged me out of my own house"
"With all due respect ma'am, he would've done worse."
"You don't know that!"
"Yes I do actually. I've seen this one too many times-"
"What the hell are you even talking about?" you cry out in pure rage and disbelief as you turn around and cover your face. A laugh and cry leave your mouth at the same time. "You just ruined- you idiot! Why did you do that? Do you know that I can sue you right now?" You break down vulnerably. "Why is he like this? How could he do that to me? With those savage- Am I not enough? I've done everything for him. Jaemin!" You pound on the door frantically but Jeno holds you back again.
You scramble out of his arms in rage pushing him back and down the steps yelling out. "WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!" Jeno allows you to push him around and yelling. "Who the hell do you think you are! Who the hell do you think you are? Why did you do that?" And by yourself- you stop pushing him and take a step back, panting out and looking back up towards the door that you were dragged out of. The shut door with no Jaemin. He didn't even chase after you… he really threw you out. You can't believe it, so you look back at Jeno. "I will ruin you." you whisper, your voice thick as fresh tears leave your eyes. "I’m going to sue you. I’m going to ruin you for this. You ruined everything. I could have talked him down… I could've calmed him… you just ruined everything."
Without another word, you wipe your eyes and head to the truck where your things are. You take a seat and strap yourself. By the time Jeno gets behind the wheel he takes a look at you. But you have your face in your hands.
Jeno doesn't speak.
He just starts his car and exits the mansion's noble land.
He drives the exact route he knows by heart, the one that leads to the bend in the road where the old oak tree stands. The one you crash into every night and make the loop happen again. He pulls the truck onto the grass, the headlights illuminating the thick tree. He cuts the engine.
Dryly, you let out an odd statement. "You wanna bury me alive. Don't you?" Jeno stares at you, at how odd your rhetorical question is. You've been quiet the entire ride, resorting to leaning on the palm of your hand while you stared dead at the road.
"Why would I wanna bury you?"
Your voice is now charged with irritation. "Gee Sherlock, first you kidnap me out of my own home, stuff me in your truck, and now we're in the middle of nowhere at a fucking park. Who knows what's in your trunk aside from my things- oh yeah, a knife and shovel so that you can fucking rape me and then burry me alive because you don't have the guts to kill me-"
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Jeno questions, sounding disgusted. "You're making it hard for me to pity you?"
"Do I look pitiful to you? Why the fuck would you want to pity me? Because my husband throw me out of the house?" Your voice charged with authority gets Jeno to sigh out in irritation.
"I didn't mean it like that." He says tightly.
"All you men are just alike," you scoff and fold your arms. Your tears have run dry and there's a dry strand making paths down where they used to be.
Jeno is confused to say the least. He doesn't understand you, even though he thought he understood. All he can do is stare while being baffled. He thought that by bringing you here, you'd remember or… at least be in your feels so that you guys could… he doesn't know what he intended- all he knows is that today was supposed to be the day he keeps you alive. But you're impossible to deal with. Your bipolar and sarcastic mood doesn't sit right with him and he just wants to leave you alone. But he knows he'd be walking up to the same day again.
So he sighs, as a way to calm down… and attempt to try again with you.
"I…" His speech halts as he wonders. Does he tell you the truth? Or some words of comfort? Fuck that- he thinks to himself. He's come too far to mess it up. And there's no way you can kill yourself now- not on his watch. "I have dreams… about you."
"So you wanna fulfill your fantasies." you mumble boredly, clearly drained of energy and probably choosing sarcasm and annoyance to get by.
"You die every time. And no, I'm not the one who kills you. You do that to yourself. " Jeno ignores you. "In my dreams… you just choose to die, because you don't want to live in a world without him- without Jaemin. And can I just tell you- while I still have the chance- that man is an ass. He's dragged you out shamelessly, cheated on you, disrespected you- and he's weakened you."
You don't say anything. And Jeno doesn't look at you, he stares at the tree.
"I know this all sounds crazy, but I'm tired of seeing you die. That's why I did what a did."
"What mental asylum did you escape?" Your question, has Jeno rolling his eyes. "No seriously, pass me the blunt you smoked so that I can escape reality just like you? To hell with this, just take me to a hotel-"
"So that you can take your own life? No. You're staying right here where I can see you."
"You can't keep me here-"
Jeno doesn't budge when he removes the key from the ignition and stuff the key in his pocket- ignoring your wide eyes of disbelief.
After a moment you lean back in stun. "I cannot believe this is happening to me." You shake your head. "No phone. No way out. And I'm trapped with a man who's smoked heaven knows what."
"I'm being serious here."
You shake your head. "No. You're being a man. You want to play games with me. So that you-"
"Humor me a bit." Jeno interrupts you, not caring. "That lady in the house- the one Jaemin brought. Do you know her?"
That gets you quiet- shut down in speech.
"How about another question… what do you dream about?"
That gets you to stare, clutching your jaw and leaning back on your seat while looking out the window. Angry, you fold your arms and restrain yourself from entertaining this mad man- you don't know what to do. The door is looked and he's hell bent on believing his damn hallucination. You could always hit him and fight him and then get out- but you're not too sure what state this man is in. For one, he could really rape and kill you- if he's that crazy. And two, you don't have anywhere to go, so even if you did run away. You've got no phone, no money… and no way…
Jeno turns his head to you. Even though you're not looking at him, he's taking you in with his eyes. Something shifts in him… call it pity or sympathy. But he just sees you being broken and in need of fixing. How did you get like this? He wonders, but doesn't say it out loud. You're hellbent on not speaking to him- Jeno watches his dashboard as the time turns from 2 minutes of silence to 30 minutes of full on quiet and only nature hearing.
"Remember, so that I don't forget." Jeno suddenly says. No reaction from you- at least not one that he can see. "I hear that in my dreams as well. As well as someone telling a dad to save a mum… I hear someone saying 'I love you'. I hear someone saying 'Don't die'. And frankly speaking… Y/n… I'm tired of starting this day over and over again… So please, just do me a favor and don't die tonight… There's literally 4 minutes to midnight… and I've missed out so much of my life trying to worry about you and trying to figure out what the hell is going on. Please."
You finally turn to him. Your eyes aren't full of the disbelief or disgust you’ve carried since you first climbed into this truck; instead, they’re just… hollow. He watches you, bracing himself, waiting for the one sentence that might finally make this loop madness make sense.
When you finally speak, your voice is a ghost of itself.
"I have dreams of dying. I don't know how I die, but when I die, I'm at peace." You lick your dry lips and look away. "It's like, only for a limited time, I'm free from my burdens of life. I'm alive even though I'm dead… So sometimes, when this earth is just too much… I dream of going away to that place where I felt nothing but waves of peace."
Jeno isn't expecting that answer at all- in fact he didn't even expect you to be vulnerable suddenly. "So you'd prefer to die instead of live?"
A dry, joyless scoff escapes your throat. "In this moment? When you’ve just ruined my relationship with my husband? Or when I’ve finally realized I was never actually needed in his life?" Your breath hitches as you catch sight of the dress draped over your lap—a dress that belonged to the other woman. "Maybe this is just what I get for choosing wrongly. You told me to remember so I wouldn't forget… and I recalled those dreams. They weren't like yours. No loops. Just visions of me in the afterlife, finally living happily with myself and with the right… with the right person."
You turn to him, your vision blurring as tears finally clump together in your lashes. Jeno holds your gaze, his chest rising in a heavy, grounding breath.
"I learned a long time ago that love hurts," he says, his voice low and steady. "So I don't bother with it. I just try my best to be… good. Or at least, to not hurt people. The world is already full of that. I'm no saint, but I hate violence. I try to minimize it. And this loop… it’s made me aware that I do have a soft spot. I don't like seeing people die."
"Tell me about this loop," you ask suddenly, the shift in your tone catching him off guard. "Tell me how I die. Tell me how you save me."
Jeno flinches, a flicker of failure crossing his eyes. "I… I haven't even saved you yet. I think this is the fifth or sixth loop. It's been almost a week now. You just die, every time."
"So what's different this time?"
He inhales softly, his throat bobbing as he gulps, trapped by the intensity of your stare. "I made it my mission that today… I’d try to get you to at least live until midnight."
Simultaneously, you both look at the dashboard clock. 00:03. A small, genuine smile breaks through Jeno’s exhaustion, and a faint reflection of it touches your own lips. "Goal achieved," he whispers.
The silence that follows is different—warm, almost stifling. Jeno holds his breath as a strange heat crawls up his skin. He doesn't want the moment to end, but before he can find the words to keep it going, you beat him to it.
"What's your next mission? To make me fall in love with life? To not give up? To believe there’s better out there for me? To forgive?" Your sarcasm is there, but it’s brittle, layered over a deep, aching sadness. You let out a small, tired chuckle. "I don't know if I'm that strong. I've revolved my entire life around Jaemin. I met him when I was fifteen; he was playing medic for my scraped knee. I took care of him. I paid his expenses so he wouldn't stress. I even became a lawyer just to get him clearance for his medical practice. I made his life easy."
Your voice cracks as the reality settles in. "So I don't understand why, after all that sacrifice, I'm the one in this truck with my life packed in the back. I've wasted my life. He took it from me, and he didn't even say sorry. He just kicked me out."
Jeno stays silent. He doesn't offer empty platitudes because he doesn't have the answers. He just sits there, letting the space between you hold the weight of your words until the air clears.
"I'm not gonna tell you to take it one day at a time," he says finally. "Because I know that’s not what you want to hear. Truth is, I don't know what's going on either. So instead, I'll just tell you to live. Not for him. For you. You’re a bright woman—intelligent beyond compare. A 'bulldog,' as I read on the 'net."
You nod, a shaky breath escaping you as you stare out at the lone tree he’s parked in front of. "Will he even care who I become now that he’s left me?"
"Who knows? But don't do it for him. Quit your job if it hurts. Start fresh. Smile more, because it’s beautiful. Don't be a picture-perfect woman. Just be… alive. Be the moment. Hell," Jeno smirks, a flash of his usual self returning. "I'm giving you motivational advice that I don't even take myself."
You chuckle, finally turning away from the window to look at him. "At first, I was just entertaining the idea of the loop… but I think I know why you were stuck with me."
"Why? Because it hasn't been obvious to me. Delight me."
"Because no one has ever spoken to me like this. No one. I'm always the one talking—"
"—And threatening to sue," he cuts in with a grin.
"Exactly." You laugh softly. "I know I’m not easy. You could've taken advantage of this loop. You could've done anything knowing the day would just restart… but you spent it trying to save me. You could've robbed a bank, or partied, or… just lived your life."
"Trust me, none of that interests me. I just get by. Anyone who knows me knows two things: I work three part-time jobs, and I sleep until 5 p.m. My life is simple."
"Peaceful?"
"Aside from a crazy neighbor shooting his gun every morning? Yeah, it’s peaceful."
"I need that peace," you whisper, the longing evident in your voice. "Do you think I'd fit in?"
Jeno looks at you, really looks at you, and shakes his head. "With the neighbors I have? Probably not. You belong in a mansion."
"No, you do. You're responsible. I belong in the gutter."
"No," Jeno says firmly, reaching out as if to stop the thought. "We're not doing that. No more putting yourself down. Let’s be positive. If you want to downgrade from a mansion to a rusty condo, then go for it. Learn something new."
You look at him, the first spark of something like hope flickering in your chest. "I will." You nod eagerly. "Are there any available rooms in your condo right now?"
Jeno's eyes widen. "Wait like now?"
You nod, a sudden, frantic energy replacing the hollow ache in your chest. He stares at you for a long beat, searching for any sign of a joke, but he only finds a sharp, desperate sincerity. He leans back into the headrest, a breath of pure wonder escaping him. He hadn't expected you to be this highly motivated, or this impulsive… but the fire in your eyes is hard to argue with. It's Friday, after all. And miraculously, he didn't wake up to the sound of Mark's morning target practice today.
Before shifting the truck into gear, Jeno looks out at the twisted, ancient branches of the tree they were parked under. He points a finger toward the gnarled bark. "Does this tree… have any significance?"
You follow his gaze, to the tree. "Did you know that trees are the only things that truly know how to let go?" you ask softly. "Every autumn, they don't struggle to keep their leaves. They don't mourn them. They just let them fall because they know that to survive the winter, they have to become a little bit emptier. They trust that something else will grow when the time is right." You reach out, your fingertips brushing the cold glass of the window. "I used to come here when the house felt too loud with Jaemin's silence. I'd look at this tree and wonder how it stayed so grounded while everything around it changed."
Jeno watches you, his expression softening into something unreadable but profoundly kind. He doesn't say anything, because he doesn't have to. The silence in the truck isn't heavy anymore… it feels like a clean slate. He gives the tree a final, respectful nod, then turns the key.
As the truck gains speed, heading toward his rough neighborhood, Jeno glances at you and sighs, almost embarrassed. "Fair warning: the elevator in my building has a personality. You have to kick the door twice on the third floor or it'll keep you hostage."
You let out a shocked laugh, the sound bright and startling Jeno for a bit.
Jeno leaves you in the truck, his mind racing. He's half-convinced that if he looks away, you'll pull a U-turn and drive straight back into the life that broke you. But he chooses to trust you. He climbs the stairs and beats down on the landlord's door… obviously Jeno is met with a storm of muffled curses and 1 a.m. irritation. After a tense back-and-forth, Jeno returns to the truck, breath visible in the night air. "Good news, there's a vacancy. Bad news, he wants the deposit before you even get a key."
You look at him, then at your lap. Your bank cards, your purse, your entire digital life… it's all back at the mansion. "I have nothing," you whisper, you sudden motivation slowly fading from your mind. "Just the boxes." Who did you think you where? Trying to 'try' at life but really you were just meant to die-
"I/ve got it," Jeno says simply cutting you from speaking down on yourself. He doesn't wait for you to protest. He goes… and then he pays the fee, and by 2 a.m., the two of you are hauling heavy cardboard boxes up a flight of narrow, slightly peeling stairs.
The apartment is tiny, a 'rough around the edges' studio that smells faintly of old floor wax. By 3 a.m., the floor is a sea of brown tape and labels. You look at the pile, then at the limited square footage, and realize half of your old life won't even fit.
"Take the rest," you tell him, gesturing to the remaining boxes in the truck. Your voice is small, hesitant, but firm. "Do whatever you want with them. Sell them, toss them. I don't want to look at them."
When Jeno finally finishes placing all the boxes neatly in the truck and wonders what to do with the rest- a cold realization hits him. If the loop is truly over, he's missed his shift. He's probably in trouble. But as he looks up at the single yellow light glowing from your new window, the worry doesn't bite as hard as it should. You're safe. You're alive. That's all that matters for now. He'll probably have to take it to Chenle's boss and explain…
He stumbles into his own room, collapses onto his bed, and shuts his eyes. Anxiety hums in his veins. Please let it be Friday when I wake up, he prays. Please let the sun come up on a new day. Not Thursday…
-
"Remember so that I don't forget."
-
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
Jeno's eyes snap open. His heart lunges against his ribs, a frantic, terrified rhythm. He bolts upright, chest heaving as he gasps for air. No. No, no, no. He reaches for his phone with shaking hands, squinting at the bright screen. "Oh God. Please no. Not again." he runs his hand over hair, before pressing the button on the screen.
10 a.m.
…
Friday.
The loop didn't reset.
The day just continued.
In a state of pure, adrenaline-fueled shock, he runs out of his room and lunges up the stairs to your floor. He finds you standing in the hallway, still wearing that same dress, though it's wrinkled now. You look like you just woke up and are trying to find the source of the gunshots. You're rubbing sleep from your eyes, looking thoroughly unimpressed.
"Is that the gunshot neighbor?" you ask, your voice dry with morning-after annoyance.
Jeno doesn't answer. He just laughs- a loud, hysterical sound of pure relief. You're still here. You didn't vanish into a reset. He's got his life back, and you're a part of it. Sorta. He walks toward you, fists balled in excitement, and pulls you into a sudden, crushing hug.
"Thank you for not dying," he mumbles into your shoulder, his voice thick. He doesn't pay mind to your startled stance as he engulfs you closer in a deep sincere hug. "If you need anything. Anything at all, you've got a really good friend in me. I promise. I won't let you die. I can't solve all your problems, but I won't let you go. Thank you."
You stand there, stiff at first, before your hands tentatively rest on his back. You aren't strong yet-your hands are still shaking… but you don't pull away. "Seriously what did you smoke, I want to smoke it as well."
The days that follow blur into a new, quiet rhythm.
Jeno leaves behind the grind of his third late-night job, having landed a steadier gig at Chenle's workplace. It gives him something he hasn't had in years: time. Time to rest, and time to check in on the woman he pulled out of a time loop.
He didn't think you were serious about the 'gutter' life, but you prove him wrong. You officially resign from your old lawyer firm, trading courtrooms for the park, where you join those slightly tragic-looking morning exercise groups. You're always a step behind the rhythm, hesitant and unsure, but you show up. Every single day. Jeno watches you from his window… supportive.
Eventually, you land a job at a local pet store. Your days are filled with the scent of cedar shavings and the quiet company of animals that don't ask for legal clearance or sacrifices. You never mention Jaemin. You never call him. Jeno never pries into that closed door, content to just watch you build a world that is finally, mercifully, your own.
Until- An interlude… of the unthinkable happens.
4 years later…
You sit up with a sudden, sharp gasp. Your eyes fly open, but for a second, everything is a blur. The hard plastic of the hospital chair is digging into your back, and your neck feels stiff and sore. The air smells so strongly of chemicals and bleach that it's hard to breathe. Your mind is still in a daze and you look around in the dark room wondering where you are.
Then, the sound hits you.
Beep… beep… beep…
The heart monitor. It's the steady, lonely sound that has been the soundtrack of your life for four years. It snaps you back to reality instantly. This isn't a dream; it's the sterile, suffocating air of the hospital.
You sigh, the sound heavy with four years of exhaustion, before stretching your stiff limbs and crossing the small room to Jeno's bedside. You flick on the lamp, its warm glow cutting through the oppressive shadows. It’s 00:08. You yawn, rubbing the sleep from your face as you pointedly ignore the release papers sitting on the nightstand, the cold, legal reality of a life moving on without him.
You take your usual seat, sinking into the chair that has molded to your shape over the years, and look at him. Even in a coma, Jeno has aged with a quiet, heartbreaking grace. The sharp, restless energy he once had in that truck has settled into something soft and ethereal. His skin is pale under the lamp, but his features remain as striking as ever, frozen in a peace he didn't have to fight for.
Gently, you place your hand over his face, your thumb tracing the familiar line of his jaw. You smile a little, a fragile, private thing in the quiet of the ward.
"Don't die on me." you whisper. "Please… wake up."
Suddenly, the steady rhythm breaks into a frantic, high-pitched sound.
Beep-beep-beep-beep!
"Jeno?" You bolt upright, your heart leaping into your throat.
Jeno's body is shaking violently on the hospital bed. He's fighting against the thin hospital sheets, his back arching off the bed in a stiff, painful curve. His heels dig into the mattress, and his arms and legs are trembling with a force that looks like it might break him. It's terrifying to watch. It looks like he's trapped inside himself, and his mind is desperately trying to tear its way out of his skin just to get back to you.
"Nurse! I need a nurse in here! Help!" you scream, your voice cracking with the same desperation you felt in the dream.
The door bursts open. A swarm of blue scrubs floods the room. "He's crashing! Status epilepticus, get five of lorazepam, now!" A nurse yells out.
"Step back, Mrs Na! We need space!"
You sink against the cold hospital window, the glass chilling your forehead as you bury your face in your shaking hands. The tears come before you can stop them, hot, heavy, and exhausted.
It feels like a lifetime ago, yet you can still see the exact moment the light went out.
Fours years ago… after Jeno and you had just created a life together by welcoming twins into the world… Jeno was in a terrible truck accident.
It didn't just break his body but it stole his memory. You remember standing by his bed back then, your heart racing, waiting for him to look at you with that familiar warmth. Instead, when he finally opened his eyes, he looked right through you.
The look was hollow. Empty. It was the first true tragedy of the loop… the day the man who had died a dozen times to save you finally lived, only to look at the woman he loved and tell the doctors he didn’t know who she was.
You had been devastated, a ghost haunting the halls of your own life, but you stayed. You held his hand every day, even when his fingers remained limp or, worse, when he pulled away because you were a stranger to him.
"You're here again," he had whispered a few months into the first year after his accident when you came to visit him in the hospital. His voice raspy from disuse. He wasn't looking at you with the warmth you'd grown custom to… or the shared secret of the midnight deadline. He was looking at you with polite, agonizing curiosity.
"I brought the books you like," you said, your voice caught in a permanent state of repair. "The ones about the trees. You used to say they were the only things that stayed in place."
Jeno tilted his head, a ghost of a frown pulling at his brow. "I don't remember saying that. I don't… I don't even think I like… trees that much."
The rejection was a physical blow, a silent bang that echoed louder than any gunshot neighbor. You forced a smile anyway, the kind of smile you'd practiced in the mirror.
"That's okay," you whispered, reaching out to tuck the blanket around his legs. "I remember for both of us."
"Why do you stay?" he asked, his eyes searching yours for a history that simply wasn't there anymore. "You're a lawyer, aren't you? You look like you have important places to be. Important people waiting."
You paused, your hand hovering near his. "I'm…" The doctors told you to be patient and steady, and not rush to expose all the memories… "I'm not that person anymore, Jeno. I'm just… a friend. Someone who doesn't like seeing people go through things alone."
He had just nodded then, turning his head back to the window, leaving you to sit in the heavy, sterile silence of a love that only existed in one heart.
He remembered his best friend Chenle.
The second tragedy was louder, more violent. It didn't arrive with the hollow silence of his memory loss; it came with a crash.
Just as the doctors finally cleared Jeno to come home—the modest two-bedroom apartment you’d carefully scrubbed and prepared—the reality of your new life collided with his fractured one. You stood in the doorway, watching him navigate the hallway like a man walking through a museum of someone else's life.
Then, the nursery door creaked open.
The sight of the twin cribs, the soft scent of baby powder, and the quiet gurgling of two infants should have been a homecoming. Instead, Jeno froze. He looked at the babies, then back at you, his expression a painful mixture of confusion and a growing, defensive panic.
"Who… whose are they?" he whispered, his voice thin.
The truth died in your throat. You looked at the man who had died for you, the man whose face was mirrored in the sleeping children before him, and you chose the only mercy you had left.
"They're mine," you said, the lie tasting like ash.
"Who's the baby daddy? You married?" he looked at your ring.
"Ah… yes. The baby daddy… and I are taking a break. But don't worry about it. I'm just your roommate, Jeno. We've shared this place for a while. It's… it's a big apartment. You have your own space."
He let out a breath, his shoulders dropping in visible relief. "Oh. Right. Roommates." He looked at the twins again, his eyes distant and polite. "They're… they're beautiful. Oh they're girls. Sorry if I ask too many questions."
"It's okay," you managed, your nails digging into your palms as you forced a steady tone. "You were gone for a while. It's a lot to take in."
You had to accept it then… the crushing weight of a father who didn't recognize his own blood. You watched him reach out a hesitant finger to touch a tiny hand, only to flinch back when the baby stirred. It was a clean break. You were a ghost in your own home, raising his children in the shadow of a man who thought he was just a guest.
Every time you looked at them and saw his eyes, his smile, his quiet strength, the wound reopened. But you stayed. You played the role of the helpful roommate, the kind stranger, because even if he didn't know who you were, you knew exactly who he was to you.
And the second tragedy… one minute, he was standing in the middle of your small living room, his brow furrowed as he argued about something trivial, a misplaced key, a bill, something you can't even remember now. Then, the words simply died in his throat. His eyes rolled back, and he dropped.
He hit the floor with a sickening thud, his body suddenly a stranger to itself, shaking like a fish out of water. You had scrambled to him, your heart hammering against your ribs, pressing your hands to his shoulders and counting his breaths until the storm passed. You thought you'd won that round.
But the second time, there was no warning.
You woke up in the dead of night to the sound of the bedframe rattling against the wall. The moonlight caught the frantic, rhythmic jerking of his limbs. You screamed his name, shaking him, begging him to come back, but his eyes were fixed on a ceiling only he could see.
"Jeno! Jeno, look at me! Breathe, please just breathe!"
Your voice had been a raw, jagged thing in the dark, but he was gone. You fumbled for your phone, your fingers slick with sweat as you dialed for an ambulance, the silence of the room replaced by the terrifying, wet sound of his labored breathing.
The rush to the hospital was a blur of red lights and cold linoleum. You sat in the waiting room, your hands stained with the ink of the release papers you couldn't bring yourself to sign, until… a doctor finally emerged with a look that held no hope.
"It's Status Epilepticus," the doctor explained, his voice clinical and detached. "Essentially, his brain has entered a seizure loop. It's stuck, and it won't break on its own."
"Loop?" You asked.
The word loop had sent a cold shiver down your spine. It was a cruel irony, the man who had spent a while trying to break a loop of time was now trapped in one made of his own firing neurons. Usually, a seizure lasts a minute or two, and the brain resets. But for Jeno, the electrical storms in his head just kept firing, one after another, without giving his body a second to breathe. They explained to you, in those cold hospital hallways, that because the seizures wouldn't stop, his brain was essentially overheating.
To save his life and stop the permanent damage, they had no choice. They had to put him into a medically induced coma.
They told you it would only be for a few days, just enough time for the 'electrical fire' in his brain to burn out so they could wake him up. But days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. And eventually, those months turned into four long, silent years. His brain had gone into a protective shell, and no matter how much the doctors tried to lower the medication, Jeno simply wouldn't wake back into reality.
For four years, you've lived in a quiet house. You've watched your 2 baby girls grow up in a long, cold shadow, babies becoming young walking girls who only know their father as a steady heartbeat and a collection of tubes.
'Dad you need to save mum please-' One of your daughters would whisper in her father's ear. 'She keeps crying. Please wake up.'
You've had to be both parents, all while mourning a man who was still breathing right in front of you. He was technically there, a body in a bed, but he was spiritually gone, lost in some dream world you couldn't reach.
But ten days ago, everything changed.
The doctors called you, their voices tight with a new kind of energy. For the first time in a while, the monitors showed a spark. A surge. Something in Jeno was fighting back, screaming from the bottom of a dark well. They told you to talk to him. They said he needed a 'tether'… a reason to climb back up. They told you that your voice might be the only thing strong enough to pull him home.
And so you've been sitting here, hour after hour, whispering the same stories into the silence, hoping that somewhere in that seizure loop in his head, he can finally hear you.
So even now… through the gaps between the doctors' shoulders, you watch the chaos. "He's in V-fib! Charging! Clear!"
BANG.
Jeno's chest jolts off the bed. The sound echoes in the room.
BANG.
"Come on, Jeno," you whisper into your palms. "Don't leave us. Not again."
BANG.
The monitor lets out a long, terrifying drone… and then, a steady, slow beep… beep…
"He's stable. Sinus rhythm is returning." The doctors begin to exhale, backing away, recording notes. One by one, they file out, leaving the room in a heavy, exhausted silence. All except one, Doctor Na Jaemin.
"Y/n. It's time to sign those papers-"
"No. He's still breathing-"
"You can't possibly want to live like this. Have pity on yourself. It's been 4 years- You're not looking any happier then he is." He calls your name gently. "When are you gonna finally leave him?"
"I can't give up on him." You walk past Jaemin and sit on the edge of Jeno's bed. "He saved my life…"
"It doesn't mean you get to save his."
"Yes it does. I said my vows. In sickness, and in health."
Jaemin sighs. "You said those vows to me now-" he shuts his mouth when you give him a glare. "Fine. I'll leave." The release papers that he left a week ago are still on the coffee table. Jaemin shakes his head, finding everything hopeless.
"Thanks." Jaemin stops in his track and then looks at you. "For paying the bill for this month, for him."
Jaemin's expression tightens, his hand lingering on the door handle. There is a flicker of something in his eyes… not just the professional coldness of a doctor, but the exhaustion of a man who has been playing a long, patient game. As a lead neurologist, Jaemin had been the one to oversee Jeno's case from the very beginning. He was the one who explained the Status Epilepticus to you four years ago, and he was the one who eventually told you that the coma might be permanent. But over those four years, the lines had blurred…
The relationship Jaemin had with the woman he cheated with didn't last. Once the thrill wore off, he realized she was only there for the lifestyle and the money. When he heard you had rushed to the hospital that night, breaking down in frantic heaps of tears, he showed up. He stood right beside you as if he belonged there.
Because you had never responded to the court dates for the divorce, you and Jaemin were still technically married. Even after years apart, the paperwork said you were his. He took advantage of that. He saw your vulnerability, a woman exhausted from waiting for her 'roommate' to wake up, struggling to raise two babies alone.
Eventually, the stress broke you. Between the mounting hospital bills for Jeno, the rent for the condo, and the costs of two growing children, you were running on fumes. Jaemin made a proposal, and with no other choice, you agreed to move back into the mansion, but only until Jeno got better.
It was a cold arrangement. Jaemin became your support and your financier, playing the part of the devoted husband while the man you actually loved lay silent in this hospital room. You were living a double life: a wife in a big, empty house by day, and a grieving stranger at Jeno's bedside by night.
He's been pushing the release papers for months now, his medical expertise telling him that Jeno's brain is a lost cause. He wants you to sign them so the hospital can finally pull the plug and let Jeno's heart stop. To the world, Jaemin is being a merciful doctor; but to you, it feels like he's trying to erase the only man who ever truly saw you.
"Don't thank me for the money, Y/n," Jaemin says, his voice dropping to a low, frustrated hum. "I'm not paying his bills because I want him to stay. I'm paying them because I want you to be free. Just look at you, clutching a hand that hasn't squeezed back in a decade."
"He's still in there, Jaemin," you whisper, not looking back at him. "I know he is,"
"Not this again," Jaemin counters sharply. He looks at the papers on the coffee table one last time. "The board is pressured for the bed, and your children deserve a mother who isn't a ghost. Think about it. Really think about it tonight."
The door clicks shut behind him, leaving you alone with the hum of the machines.
You turn back to Jeno, his face pale and still. You reach out, lacing your fingers through his, and for the first time in ten years, you don't talk about the kids or the weather. You lean in close to his ear.
"Jeno," you breathe, your voice trembling. "If you're ever going to wake up… if you're ever going to save me like you did before… it has to be now. Because I don't know how much longer I can fight him for you."
Suddenly, the heart monitor- the one Jaemin just said showed no hope- skips a beat. Then another.
And then, Jeno's thumb brushes against your palm. You don't know if it's reflexes, but he's done this to you, several days in a row now. Always private, with no witnesses but him and you. And it's in that slight thumb brushing over your fingers, that you have hope.
You sink into the chair and take his hand.
"What are you dreaming about, honey?" you ask, your voice a ragged whisper as you brush a stray hair from his forehead. "Because I miss you." You lean heavily against his arm, the sterile scent of the sheets filling your senses. "Please wake up… I need you to wake up. The doctors are telling me it’s time to pull the plug. They say it's been too long. But Jeno…" A sob escapes as you press his cold knuckles to your lips. "I need you more than ever."
You let out a small, bitter laugh, the kind that only comes from years of grieving someone who is still breathing. "Are you still in the loop? The one where you saved me? Where we went from strangers to… whatever we were? What was it you said? Remember so that I don't forget? I need you to remember, Jeno. I need you to remember me."
You start to tell the story again, the one you've whispered a thousand times in this room, hoping the truth might finally shatter the glass of his coma. You look down at the ring on your finger, the one you still wear, even though the Jaemin thinks of Jeno's ring as a joke.
"Jaemin… he really hates you. He wants me to think about it. To give the go ahead at pulling your plug. But I won't even think once about killing you. All I can think about is how you saved me." You take a soft breath, thinking about where all your problems started. "It should've been me who got hit that day. I should've been the one in that truck… but you took the keys that morning and offered… It should've been me."
Your eyes water as you bury your face in the side of the bed. After a moment, you sit up, checking the clock. 01:00 AM. "I'm so scared he’ll do it while I’m not here," you whisper to the silent room. "That he’ll pull the plug the moment I step out. I can't leave you alone. I'm just so scared."
You lean forward, resting your forehead against his hand, seeking a warmth that isn't there.
The door creaks open. You brace yourself for another one of Jaemin's rages, but instead, he walks in calmly, carrying a bouquet of flowers. He crosses the room with practiced ease and drops to one knee, presenting the flowers like a peace offering. Tucked into the petals is a small note.
You set Jeno's hand down gently and take the paper. Jaemin watches your face as it shifts from deep sadness to confusion, and finally, to pure shock.
"Jaemin…"
"The girls are turning five next week," he says with a heavy sigh. "They need a father. I'm sorry for rushing you, but I can't keep watching you fall apart for a ghost in a bed. I've been their father for four years, Y/n. Let's make it official."
He looks at Jeno's still form, then back at you with a terrifyingly calm expression.
"Please. End his misery so ours can finally begin. I promise you this time, I will treat you better. I miss you."
- Jeno's Pov
Jeno is walking down a hallway that never seems to end. Everything is a pale, shimmering white. Every few seconds, bright flashes of light zip past him like falling stars. He knows he is trapped in his own mind… his own memory lane, and he is searching desperately for a way out. A way to wake up. He has to find the exit before the light disappears forever.
He reaches out and grabs a brass handle. When he opens the door, he sees a memory in the room… a familiar memory.
"You're late," your voice says, playful and sharp as he follows you to the kitchen after a heavy shift. You are wearing an oversized t-shirt, holding a piece of burnt toast. "I finally made burnt toast. See how fast I'm advancing in life."
Jeno wants to laugh, but he knows this isn't real. He remembers the smell of the toast and the way the sun hit the wallpaper. He stays for just a second before pulling the door shut. "I'm coming back," he whispers to the empty hallway. "I need to get back to Y/n… she's waiting for me… Focus Jeno. Come on now… where is that door?"
He opens another door. It's a memory of a pet store. You are covered in dog fur, looking tired but happy. "Jeno, look," you say, pointing at some kittens.
He smiles, but it hurts his ghostly face. He doesn't know how long he's been here in his own mind filled with memories of his life… but he knows he's been here for a long time, looking through memories; some which he gladly stays to watch and others he quickly walks by. But within the past hours, he's been feeling an urgency to hurry up.
He closes doors, one after another, and the next, and the one after that. Each door is a piece of the life you built together after the loop incident. He knows he has to keep moving; he can't stay in the past. Some memories, he's too ashamed to look at- such as the ones where he had amnesia. He can see the look of sadness passing through your eyes in all those memories- and it's not something he likes to see.
Then, he stops at a door that feels warm. It feels like home. He steps inside.
Could this be it?
The air smells like a hospital, and he hears a sharp, thin cry. He watches a memory of himself from four years ago. You are in the hospital bed, gasping for air. You both thought there was only one baby.
"Wait," the doctor says in the memory. "There's another one. Help her, Dad, here she comes."
The Jeno in the memory looks like he might faint, but then he is holding them, two tiny babies wrapped in pink blankets.
"Auemi," the memory-Jeno whispers. Then he looks at the second baby. "And Jenny. Our little Jenny." He kisses your forehead and then kisses the girls. It was the happiest moment of his life. It was the moment the loop finally felt broken.
Jeno steps back into the white hallway. His heart is heavy with those names: Auemi and Jenny.
"I have to get out!" he gasps. He looks up and sees the lights starting to dim. The 'sun' in this hallway is setting, turning the walls a dark purple. He is running out of time. He can feel his connection to the real world getting thinner and thinner.
He starts to run. He passes doors of graduations and quiet dinners, but none of them are the exit. The shadows are getting longer, swallowing his memories one by one.
"Not yet!" he screams into the dark. "I'm not finished! I haven't seen the way out yet-"
But there is no handle. There is no lock. There is only the growing darkness and the distant, fading sound of a heart monitor's lonely beep.
The darkness isn’t cold… it's heavy, like being underwater. Jeno stands before the towering, skeletal tree and the clock with the humming, invisible hand. The ancient voice doesn't boom this time. It's a whisper that fills his skull, weary and patient.
"YOU HAVE REACHED THE BOUNDARY, LITTLE SPARK."
"I'm not ready," Jeno says, his voice cracking. He thinks of the tiny, milk-scented heads of Auemi and Jenny. He thinks of you sitting in that plastic chair, your spirit thinning like a worn-out silk ribbon. "Please, help me find the exit. I have to get back. Please."
The Being isn't visible, it's manifested itself as a tree. The air shifts causing the wind to blow over the trees so that it may speak. "THE LIFE YOU BUILT WAS A STOLEN FRAGMENT. YOU WERE ALLOWED TO LIVE, ONLY IF YOU SAVED HER LIFE. AND YOU HAVE. NOW YOU MUST GO-
"The hell? No. I'm not going."
"YOU WERE ONLY ALIVE BECAUSE OF GRACE, BUT JENO, YOU DIED THAT NIGHT."
"What night are you talking about? I didn't die- I just had amnesia-"
"THE FIRST NIGHT YOU MET Y/N. YOU DIED."
"What?"
Suddenly a door appears in front of the tree and slowly opens. Jeno doesn't need to step forward as he can see clearly. The dreams… or rather the loop he lived over and over again is no stranger to his memory… But this time, he sees that after picking you up from Jaemin's outrageous brutal kick out of the house, he drives you… to the tree… he recalls that peaceful talk you had with him, about how you wanted to change your life. And just as he's driving to his apartment… he accidentally crashed into a tree… He crashed it in a way that it saved you… he died… while you lived.
"That's not possible…"
"THE TRUCK WAS THE END, JENO, YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO DIE. EVERY YEAR SINCE HAS BEEN A DEBT."
"A debt to who?"
"TO YOURSELF. AND NOW FINALLY YOU ARE BEING SET FREE."
"Wait-" Jeno shakes his head. Understanding, but not wanting to understand, and it seems that the Being talking through the tree doesn't mind explaining for as long as Jeno asks. So Jeno gulps. "Please wait. Don't I get to see them? My family? My children… My Y/n?"
"DOWN THERE… IN THE ROOM OF WHITE WALLS… THE DEBT IS BEING SETTLED. THE PLUG HAS BEEN PULLED. NOT OUT OF MALICE, BUT OUT OF MERCY. THEY ARE LETTING YOU GO."
Jeno shakes his head. "What are you saying? Are you saying that I died and the only reason I was alive was to pay a debt to myself?"
"YES, YOU MADE A VOW TO BE THERE FOR HER UNTIL SHE WAS UP AND READY TO STAND ON HER OWN TWO FEET. SHE IS READY. AND NOW IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO GO TO. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE JENO."
Suddenly a sparkling and shining white door opens. Jeno back up, tears rapidly over his eyes. "No… Can't I at least stay… just to watch her? Please- I don't want to go-" Jeno cries.
"TO STAY IS TO WATCH HER WITHER. TO DIE IS TO LET HER BLOOM AGAIN."
"Is there no other option?" Jeno cries. "I didn't even tell her I love her- I miss her- please-"
The Great Tree shivers, its dry branches clattering like bone. "THERE IS A THIRD PATH. THE ONLY PATH WHERE YOU REMAIN ALIVE."
Jeno looks up, hope flare-lighting in his dark eyes. "Anything. I'll take it."
"IT'LL BE HELL FOR YOU. BUT IF YOU WANT, YOU MAY RETURN TO A MOMENT IN TIME THAT YOU THOUGHT WOULD LAST FOREVER." the voice rumbles, a note of warning beneath the floorboards of the world.
"A moment in time that I thoguht would last forever? You're talking about the loop?"
"FOR THE WORLD, LIFE WILL CONTINUE. Y/N AND JAEMIN, AND YOUR CHILDREN WILL LIVE ON. BUT FOR YOU, YOU WILL BE TRAPPED IN THE LOOP. IN THE LAST DAY WHERE YOU LIVED. TO THE MOMENT THE CLOCK STRUCK TEN A.M. AND THE GUNSHOT WOKE YOU UP. YOU WILL BE TRAPPED. THE LOOP WILL RESET EVERY TWENTY-FOUR HOURS. FOREVER. SHE WILL LIVE, AND YOU WILL BE WITH HER, BUT YOU WILL NEVER SEE YOUR DAUGHTERS GROW. YOU WILL NEVER GROW OLD. YOU WILL SIMPLY… BE IN THE LOOK. UNTIL THE END OF TIME."
Jeno freezes. The ultimatum hangs in the air like a guillotine.
"CHOOSE, SPARK. THE PEACE OF THE AFTERLIFE, LEAVING HER TO FIND A NEW PATH… OR THE ETERNITY OF THE LOOP, WHERE SHE IS SAFE-
"You mean where she dies every night… you want me… you want me to watch her die every night?"
"WHERE YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO REMEMBERS."
Jeno closes his eyes. He sees the future he just left…. the one where he is a "ghost in a bed." He sees you at the pet store, tired but real. He sees the twins fifth birthday… he sees you happy. If he goes back to the loop, those girls will never exist. You will be a lawyer again, sharp and angry and "the bulldog," trapped in a single Thursday for the rest of eternity.
"You said… if I stay dead…" Jeno whispers, "She lives?"
"SHE CARRIES THE LESSONS YOU TAUGHT HER. SHE SURVIVES."
Jeno looks at the flickering door in the distance. He can hear the long, flat tone of the heart monitor. He can hear your jagged, broken sob… the sound of a woman who has finally, mercifully, let go.
He stands up, his hands shaking.
"If I could live in a single Thursday forever, would I? Even if it meant watching the person I love forget me a thousand times? Let me guess… I already made the decision to loop… that's why I kept looping in the first place. My future self selfishly chose to live…" He looks at the clock. "How could I do that… I can't take her life away just so I can have her. I can't trap her in a Thursday because I'm too selfish to leave."
"SO GO. DIE IN PEACE LITTLE SPARK."
Jeno bites his lip, the veins popping on the side of his head as he holds back his tears.
After awhile of reminiscing of the life he had with you, he turns away from the 'loop' door. Away. He walks toward the Great Tree, his heart heavy with a love that is finally, truly, selfless.
"She said when she died… she'd feel peace…" Jeno chokes out, his form beginning to dissolve into golden sparks.
The Being is silent as Jeno reaches out and touches the bark of the tree. The darkness isn't heavy anymore. It's warm.
-
In the hospital room, the flatline continues. You are hunched over Jeno's hand, your forehead resting on his knuckles. Tears streaming down your face.
But then, the air in the room shifts when the warmth leaves his hands. You hold onto your stomach… Your sob echoes all the way down the hallway. You look up at his face. He's gone, but for the first time in four years, his expression isn't blank. He looks like he just achieved a goal. And with that, you shut your eyes in remembrance. He told you... to not live for anyone else. But for yourself. Even though Jaemin opened doors and assisted you. You won't allow yourself to be treated any different from how you treat yourself.
-
Fin
