"Where do you think you're going?" Augustus asked, pulling me closer to him and making me breathless. His arm around my waist and his face in front of mine.

"Let go... Let go of me!" I demanded trying to loosen his grip.

"I've had enough of you already. How long are you gonna behave this way?" He asked.

"You have to be kidding me! What are you... A guy in his teens? Stop behaving like a teenager!" I was trying my best to loosen his arms, but he's too strong.

"The last time... I'm asking you, what went wrong between us? You're behaving like nothing happened between us... Why?" He kept asking me questions which I didn't have any answers to. I don't have anything to say. It's over between us, isn't it?

Things ended long ago between us, but now that I think about it, did it actually end? We didn't set our ways apart properly as well. Was he always so crazy in love with me? Was our relationship always like this?

He held my cheeks and asked, "did you never love me? Was it all in my head that we were lovers?"

I paused.

We were lovers? We loved each other...? Augustus...? No, the one I loved was Min Joon. Augustus is just a hoax. Augustus is just an illusion, an illusion to this ended relationship.

I don't know. It was when we were young... What was that between us back then? Love...? I wonder.

He held my chin and lifted it a little. I was lost in deep thoughts to even notice it. He grabbed my head and pulled it close, making my lips touch his. My eyes turned wide open and I was left shaken from the kiss. It's not something I wanted. No, I didn't! He smirked as his lips kept smooching mine and I was left aback.

"Mm... Sto...pp..." I mumbled as my hands resisted. I didn't want him to feel bad, but I also wasn't feeling it was alright. I needed to resist!

I looked through the corner of my eyes and I saw... Him. Walter, he was there... standing there silently without asking, or even questioning anything. I... I'm wrong. I did it all wrong! Why did I even do it? Why did I not resist more? Just why?

"Walter! Wait! Please!"

I kicked Augustus' leg and pushed him back. He fell down and hurt himself, but what was more important to me? I can't waste more time.

I need to... Need to... Get him. Get Walter and...

He left.

He's left.

Why? Why... Is that even supposed to be a question?

I messed up.

I messed up everything.

Is this how it'll end? Am I not gonna be able to be with Walter again? Why did I even come here… to him of all people?!

Come back. I want you to come back. This is not how it's supposed to be?!

...*******...

"hic!.. hicc! I... I don't wanna go! Hic! Let me stay here! I wanna stay! Hicc!" There's darkness and darkness everywhere. I can't see! Let me out! Where am I? Help me someone! My body is not moving.

Is that you Augustus? Wait for me! Don't run away! Wait! Wait! Don't leave me. I'm scared.

It's gettin' darker... and my limbs aren't even movin'. It's suffo...catin' me. Please... Augus... Someone, anyone! H...hel...p...

"Help!" I jumped as I trembled in fear and was still shaking nervously.

"Eh? Wasn't I... about to die?

Oh, another nightmare..."

I've been getting nightmares for two years continuously. But I still can't get used to it. I can't explain how horrible it feels everytime. But, today's nightmare wasn't so horrific compared to the usual ones.

Sometimes, I see my mother. She would gently rub her palms around my cheeks and suddenly, she'd fall down unconscious. I look at her as though I was the one who knocked her off.

My body wasn't under my control.

And then, sometimes I meet my father. He'd call me to hug him. I'd run as fast as I could, but it was impossible to reach him. I could see him, hear him, feel him, but never reach him. It felt like a curse.

Nightmares? Some say it's good to meet your parents.

But, no! It's not.

I don't want to see my parents dying every night and recall that I'm... I'm... an orphan... without...

No, it's okay.

I'm fine.

I picked up my white coat and put on my Pink Carat lip tint. I was already in a hurry as I was supposed to go with Lolli to University so I couldn't do my usual beauty routine.

I rushed downstairs after picking up the toast and drinking  my banana milk.

I found Lolli waiting in her car for me.  I totally messed up our plans. Luckily, she's in a good mood and isn't angered over me being late. She seriously hates driving, and it's always she and her driver riding together. She also doesn't prefer bikes. In that sense, we have the same preferences.

Just as I sat next to her, she starts her chit-chat.

"Look, Hae Ra! Alexa is going to transfer to our university!"

And this Alexa, is not just anyone you'd find walkin' on the streets. She was a Korean model back when I was in high school and now she works as a runaway model in the New York Fashion Week. I remember how conceited and opinionated she was even when she was young and that's 'cause...  "Hae Ra! Hae Ra! See here..." Wow! Lolli can even interrupt my thoughts, unbelievable!

Even her driver was wondering what was so important that Lolli keeps over-reacting. I saw him smirk! Damn, he sure enjoys his time as Lolli's driver. I need to suggest her to get a new driver.

As usual, Lolli is updating me with the latest news on celebrities. But, I gravely am not interested. However, since it relates to our university, I took a peek at her cellphone. Alexa looked stunning even in her casual outfit. Her long wavy hair reached down till her knees. It was breathtaking. She sure is ever-ready for the paparazzi.

Then, I read the headlines;

Alexa planning to transfer her university?

It's almost unnoticeable, but there is an interrogation mark in it. So, it's not actually a confirmed news. It's basically a question.

I told her,

"It's not even confirmed news!"

However Lolli burst out again,

"Augustus is moving to our university!"

"Eh?"

"Could you repeat that?"

Lolli showed it to me. I was dumbstruck. There was no question mark, it was a clear announcement.

I could feel his presence in here. His breath brushing through my ears. His laughter running through my mind. His soft palms touching my cheeks and caressed my hair strings.

It gave me the chills.

I seriously don't wanna remember the memories from back then. Lolli doesn't know about Augustus being my first love. I don't plan to inform her either; no way! She's gonna freak out.

And yes, this is the same Augustus from my nightmares; scary and nerve-racking as I want to remember.

My face turned pale as I was lost in deep thoughts. I didn't notice it until Lolli brought me back to my senses.

I know I get a little swayed whenever Augustus is involved. But, he only comes in my nightmares and I don't want to remember the past.

He's transferring here, but why am I so nervous. Is he even that important to think of? No, he is not. I have moved on, so I don't need to be awkward around him. Yes, I will not be an awkward person around him if he's coming indeed.

Lolli informed me that Augustus will be here by next week.

She said he's very famous around here and has a lot of girls who are interested and drool over him; Yeah, I know that. It was always this way. He had girls chasin' after him inevitably.

What about me? Am I also intrigued by him?

No way!

It's so weird and embarrassing at the same time.

However, I'm actually interested in meeting him.

No, it ISN'T because he's a celebrity now, okay? It's not because he has this awesomely sharp jawline despite being born half Korean and also has this great muscular abs which are taut without adhesive.

Damn. I must agree; he's hot.

☃️

"So, where are you gonna be tomorrow?" I inquired Walter waiting for a response to transparent my uncertainty.

"Probably, practicing basketball with my mates?" He said avoidin' eye contact. His voice wasn't his usual gruffly husky, but croaking and abrupt. I knew he was lying, but he couldn't have been more evident.

I simpered and pretended to play this little 'game of deception'.

"So, will you not be able to accompany me tomorrow? I mean... The last time we went on a date was ages ago!"

"Oh, is it? But, I can't... You know how important basketball is to me!"

He held my hands and then, touched my cheeks. It was driving me crazy.

I don't know what was goin' on in his mind; but something was not right.

"Um... Walter, is everything alright?" I asked him worried if something was bothering him.

He curtailed his arms back and then gave out a forced smile saying, "everything is ok, my Ms. Park!" And he stretched out his arms to hug me. I actually don't know whether he's actually telling me the truth or is there something I don't know about him yet?

"I can wait for-" "no." He interrupted.

"Don't wait for me. I have some things to take care of, so I can't go along with you."

He keeps cancelling me out. It won't have bothered me if I didn't know it already that there was no practice tomorrow. I just wanted to spent some time with him. Why are you behavin' this way, Walter?

I looked elsewhere and clenched my fist.

"Hae Ra, I'm sure there will be a next time we go out on dates. Don't you worry too much. It's no big deal!"

Well, that maybe true that I'm contemplating it too much. I need to think things through before just judging him. Yes, that's it.

"You're right. We can go on dates later on." I should trust him. I maybe wrong in not asking him as to why he was lying, but... I just want him to trust me like I do. I will wait, till you are ready Walter. So don't make me wait too long.

I could feel the day getting colder and gentle chilly breeze rushing.

"Walter, it's snowing." I pointed out. I thought he'd remember the day we first met, it was snowing back then as well.

"It is indeed" he said monotonously.

I looked at him wondering if he was the same person I decided to give my heart.

"Walter, is there something I need to know?"

...*******...

..."Stop forcin' me! I don't wanna go."...

These words were what I repeated to Lolli again and again.

But she,

"No HaeRa, you need to come. It's MY brother's engagement. If you don't, who'll accompany in the whole ceremony?"

Persistent. As always.

I can never decline her. She's always been like this. And who is to blame, none other than me for having made her my friend.

No, actually BEST FRIEND.

So, I'm home. And now I just need my best dress for the day. Lolli is American, so off course, the function is gonna be foreign style. It's not new to me as I moved to California and attended just so many weddings and functions.

And yes, my grandparents take care of me. They manage all those money stuffs, so I don't need to worry about that. And I'm really grateful to have such marvellous grandparents

Oh! I forgot to ask Lolli the theme for the party...

Let me just ask her. Where's my phone again? I started looking for my phone and just then I heard my phone ringing.

...(Incoming call from Lolli)...

Timing! Now that's why you're my girl!

HaeRa: Hey, Lolly! So, you called right on time! I was just gonna ask you about the party...

Lolli: Um... The thing is... HaeRa, I...

HaeRa: Wait! Me first! You know what! You didn't even tell me about the theme for the party! How could you!

Lolli: HaeRa, look before I forget to tell you, listen...

HaeRa: Hey! Before you wanted me to come to your party just so much and now what? You're not even telling me about the theme?

Lolli: Theme... Oh, yes! This time the theme for the engagement is Black and White Classy. Also, we're gonna do a family reunion after a long time! All my relatives are gonna be there and...

HaeRa: Yeah, yeah! You're gonna meet Peter who's been your crush like forever and blah blah blah.

Save that for later! I'm gettin' ready for the party and will be there in about an hour. No, about 2-3 hours. Ugh.

I'm cutting off the phone!

...*Beep*...

I knew she was just gonna blabber on and on and tell me how handsome he is and so and so. And I seriously don't like Peter.

Just forget it!

Where's the dress I bought the last time?

Here it is!

My Jovani Mermaid Long Sleeve Satin Prom dress which flaunts my curves and has this beautiful dark floral patterns on it. OMG! I remember how excited I was when I bought this! This was like a gem, no a diamond!

And the moonlight white colour of the fabric is the best. It's gonna make me the center of attention!

Oh, I can combine this with my Crystal Pointed High heels! And how could I forget, the Minaudiére clutch bag that could perfectly match with it.

I know, I'm pretty and I look glamorous as always.

"Now that I'm ready for the party. Let's move that booty. Oh, just kiddin'..."

But, what about him?

Um... Forget it! Let me enjoy being single for a day! (Which off course I'm not!) After all, he said he's busy 'practicing basketball'. Liar.

Since I dyed my hair dark just last week, I'm gonna just do the Keratin treatment from Salon today.

☃️

Woah! I gasped as I was astonished by their decoration.

I examined the arrangements done for the party and It's fabulous. I mean, even though I've attended lots of weddings and ceremonies, it's nothing compared to this; her brother's engagement ceremony! As I was mesmerized by the breathtaking decoration, I noticed a woman.

Gorgeous she was with her hair drawn back from her face into a chignon. Her dress was literally screaming that she's loaded. Her clutch was a limited edition from Chané, I remember it got sold out in about 3 hours.

She's totally stealing the attention.

She looks familiar though.

Wait, is she... Mrs. Lee? Lee Hyeon Ah?(이현아)

Oh for Christ's sake! The first person person I descried in the party had to be her!

Honestly speakin', she's as arrogant as she's glamorous. And I just freakin' hate her. Just hate. Her.

Oh God! Here she comes!

Oof! Her walk! Damn, you're not doin' a runaway here!

"Hello, Mrs. Lee! It's been a while, hasn't it?" I told her in a soft tone, just for the sake of 'GREETING' her.

"Oh well, Ms. Park! Yes, it's been a while, the last time I saw you was at you parents' funeral. Time sure flies." She chuckled as she hid her upper gums with her fingers. You know, you have to keep yourself modest even when you're laughing.

Ugh.

"I am sure you are living a well heeled lifestyle. I mean, your parents left you enough fortune for you not to be worried about your future!" She said as she scrolled through my dress. Her eyes were sharply scrutinising my whole body from tip to toe.

Do you seriously have to say that? And that too, when you yourself attended the funeral. All you got to assert was that, I inherited money?

I needed to reply to shut her arrogant self. I can't let this slide, of course. But, before I could even speak, she turned her lips on again;

"Your dress is way too vibrant for a girl who's just lost her parents, don't you think? I mean, it's certainly not the way a good daughter would dress. It's only been 2 years and you have already forgotten about them?"

I lowered my chin and mumbled, "shut up"

"Did you say something Ms. Park? I think I-" I interrupted her vocals and ascertained her loud and clear, "well, Mrs. Lee, you don't have to worry about my well being. It's much better than living a life of solitary and fecund. I believe you have better knowledge about it." I grinned as I spoke to her.

She was taken aback by my audacity to speak such words to her.

So, I apprised her with a lecherous look, "but again, you maybe too busy to think about having any sprog with Mr. Park. Um... Pardon me, did I say something I shouldn't have?"

Of course I did and I knew why she was silent. But, I'm not a toddler to ignore her slight.

She tried to brush it off by laughin' but I know that at some point Mrs. Park was offended. Just as the conversation got heated up, some of her friends walked over and I excused myself from that awful atmosphere.

I walked towards the 'main hall' where the main function was. It was a grand celebration. I mean Lolli's brother; Auden is the last son of their family. It has to be grand! He's gettin' engaged to Éva. I haven't seen her yet. But, I'm certain, she's gonna be looking so lovely.

Just as I walked through the enormous hall, my eyes glanced over the bar. Yes, a pretty bar! And what else could make me happier if not a cup of wine!

"A pint of Rose Wine on the rocks, please!"

I held my drink and was enjoying the Jazz Blues. Just soothes my soul everytime. Lolli seems to be quite busy for not talking with me or even meeting up with me after I entered here. I noticed her only for a brief little while as she went into a room. I'm not angry that she's not here, okay? I'm just... Okay, I maybe... Just... A little pissed off.

I sipped my Rose wine when I heard someone's voice from behind; a very familiar voice. He had a polished warm voice very similar to 'someone' I know. I immediately turned around trying to see who it was. But, then there's just no one I could see. I looked through the countless people to just find that one person whom I heard saying, "I missed her".

These words were enough to melt my heart. Why am I even searching for an unknown person? Even though I couldn't get a chance to discern his facade, his silvery voice had caught me off guard.

As I was lost in thoughts, I looked through my wine and twisted the glass. I held the glass firmly and drank it all in a gulp.

What a nuisance for a little party!

...*******...