Love me Again

Author's Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and settings are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

All rights reserved. This story, including all parts and elements of the plot, characters, and settings, is the original work of the author. No part of this work may be copied, reproduced, distributed, or used in any manner without the author's explicit written permission. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and subject to legal action.

Thank you for respecting the hard work and creativity of the author.

WARNING Disclaimer:

This story contains a blend of lighthearted and intense themes, including moments of wholesomeness, sweetness, emotional depth, as well as instances of kidnapping, betrayal, and violence. Reader discretion is advised. Some content may be triggering or unsuitable for younger audiences. Please proceed with care and take breaks if needed.

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Chapter 1: Cinders of Silence

Content WARNING & Disclaimer

This chapter contains heavy themes including bullying, sexual assault, and other graphic or disturbing scenes that may be triggering or upsetting to some readers. These elements are depicted in detail and may cause emotional distress. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

The moment my eyelids fluttered open, I found myself within the embrace of a mansion.

The house was expansive and beautiful, designed with a strikingly aesthetic and minimalist touch. The furnishings exuded an air of expense, and numerous picture frames adorned the surroundings, each holding a photograph of a couple.

Where am I?

I wandered through the entire mansion, seeking an exit. Stepping outside, I discovered myself in a garden bathed in the ethereal glow of a perfectly round moon. Flowers bloomed in abundance all around, and a fountain graced the garden's center, drawing me towards it. A profound chill permeated the air.

"So, you're here again. I've missed you terribly." A male voice reached my ears, laced with a mysterious familiarity.

He was a constant presence in my dreams, yet utterly unknown to me in my waking hours.

He possessed a fair complexion, stood tall. His smile was genuinely warm and comforting, seeming to illuminate the surroundings, a truly beautiful smile. His black hair was slightly tousled, yet it only added to his captivating charm. He was dressed simply in a white polo shirt and white trousers.

I could only stare at him in silence, my mind a whirlwind of questions.

Who was he?

Why did he haunt my dreams?

Was he a past lover, perhaps a husband from a forgotten life?

"I hope... you won't forget me. Because every day, every moment, I remember you. I long to be with you again, my love..."

His voice was filled with yearning, yet I couldn't miss the sorrow that clouded his eyes.

"Who are you?" I finally asked, my curiosity overriding my hesitation.

"Forgive my bluntness, but I have no memory of us ever meeting. You appear in my dreams so often, it's truly perplexing."

"Ouch, that stings," he jested, clutching his chest dramatically, feigning hurt. "Quite offensive, haha."

"I'm serious," I insisted. "You're so mysterious, always in my dreams. Were you perhaps my husband in a past life?" He chuckled softly and embraced me.

"A secret for now, wouldn't you agree? Keeps things thrilling, doesn't it? But... we will meet again. I will search for you no matter where you are. I love you deeply... so very deeply..." he whispered as he held me close.

His words only deepened my confusion. Yet, within his embrace, a strange mix of longing and sorrow washed over me.

He gently pressed a kiss to my forehead, and with that tender touch, I began to awaken.

My eyes fluttered open, and the familiar sting of realization washed over me – it had all been a dream again. I couldn't understand why my pillow was damp with tears.

Had I truly been crying in my sleep?

Who could he be?

Why did he constantly visit my dreams? My mind was a labyrinth of unanswered questions.

Ah, I haven't even introduced myself. I am Rainzelle Vaness Claudia.

How can I describe my life? Perhaps like Cinderella... with a twist.

Both my parents have passed away. My father remarried before his own passing, and now I live with my stepmother and her children.

My stepmother, Elise, whom I call Mama, is kind. Ever since Papa died, she has taken on all the responsibilities for me. However, my problem lies with her children, my step-siblings, who seem to harbor a deep-seated resentment towards me for reasons unknown.

I immediately rose from bed and tidied my sleeping space. After freshening up, I donned an apron and began preparing breakfast. Household chores were my domain, as my stepmother was busy with work.

I saw her approach me as I cooked, a cheerful light in her eyes as she greeted me.

"Good morning, dear. I have good news for you," she said, her voice brimming with excitement. My curiosity piqued.

"Good morning, Mama. What is it?"

"You'll be able to start college tomorrow. I apologize for the delay; it took me a while to save enough for your tuition. But, you know, it gets so boring here at home with you just doing chores. So you can finally pursue your dreams, you'll be able to study!" she exclaimed joyfully.

A wave of joy surged through my heart upon hearing those words. I would finally go to college? My dream would come true. My aspiration to become a psychologist someday felt within reach.

"Don't worry, dear. I've already taken care of your enrollment and all the requirements. Classes start tomorrow. Oh my, I'm so sorry for telling you so late!" she added.

"Thank you so much, Mama. Thank you so much. It's always been my dream to study. I promise, I won't waste this opportunity," I said, my voice filled with happiness, and Mama embraced me.

"You deserve to study, dear. You're hardworking and intelligent. I believe in you. Just... no boyfriends for now, okay?" she teased, a smile playing on her lips.

"Of course, Mama. I'll focus on my studies," I replied, beaming.

"Your bag and school supplies are upstairs, by the table in your room.

Well then, I need to head to work. You and your siblings take care," she said with a warm smile.

"Take care too, Mama. Thank you so much, thank you truly."

"You're welcome, 'nak. Love you."

"I love you too."

I kissed her cheek as she bid us farewell. We weren't related by blood. She was just my stepmother, yet she was incredibly kind to me. I was lucky; my stepmother wasn't the stereotypical cruel one from Cinderella. She was like a true mother to me.

I finished cooking, and soon my step-siblings joined me for breakfast.

Their sullen expressions cast a heavy cloud over my mood.

"What is this? It tastes awful! Why are you even in charge of cooking? It's disgusting, I can't eat this," complained my stepsister, Sophy, whose animosity towards me was palpable.

I tasted the eggs and bacon I had prepared.

The taste seemed normal, nothing was amiss.

"Maybe you poisoned it. What did you put in here?" asked their eldest, Kuya Richard.

"Enough, both of you. It tastes fine! What's with all the drama?" interjected their other sibling, Adrian.

Adrian was the only one among them who defended me and showed me kindness.

"Wow, look at our knight in shining armor! Always defending Rain? What, are you lusting after her? Trying to get on her good side?" Kuya Richard sneered, but Adrian's fist suddenly connected with his face.

"You've gone too far, Kuya," Adrian said angrily, landing another blow.

The two brothers began to fight. I covered my mouth, a knot of fear tightening in my stomach.

"This is all your fault! Look what's happening to my brothers! We were fine before you came along, but everything's been chaos since you arrived!" Sophy spat at me, grabbing my hair and yanking it.

"Ouch! Sophy, please! Stop it!" I pleaded, trying to push her away, but her grip was strong, and she shoved me against the wall. I hit the wall with a thud and collapsed onto the floor.

"Sophy! What did you do? Damn it!" Adrian roared, rushing to my side to help me up.

"Why are you so worried and protective of that Rain?! She's the reason we're like this! Because of that girl! I will never forgive her!" Sophy seethed.

"That's enough, Sophy. Rain did nothing wrong. She hasn't done anything to us, so can you please just leave her alone?" Adrian said fiercely, helping me to my feet and guiding me towards my room.

Once we reached my room, Adrian gently laid me on my bed and pressed a cool cloth to my forehead. His eyes were filled with concern as he looked at me.

"I'm so sorry about my siblings, Rain. Sorry for their behavior. You did nothing wrong, but they're angry at you. They're infuriating," Adrian apologized.

"You're so kind," I said softly. "You're the one apologizing for your siblings. Honestly, I don't know what I did wrong for them to hate me so much. Whatever the reason, I hope things can be resolved."

"I won't let them hurt you again. I'll protect you from them. Just call me if those two do anything," he promised.

"Thank you, Adrian," I said with a small smile.

"It's nothing. Just rest for now, okay? I still need to tidy up my things since school starts tomorrow. I saw that Mama enrolled you in the same section as me," he said with a smile.

"Really? Okay, I'm excited to start. Go ahead and organize your things then," I replied, returning his smile.

He walked towards the door. Thank goodness there was still one kind soul among those siblings.

They were such a headache. They stressed me out so much.

Lost in thought as I lay in bed, I decided to organize my belongings and fold my clothes.

Suddenly, my door swung open. I assumed it was Adrian, but it was Kuya Richard.

He approached me and caressed my thigh. A cold dread washed over me, and I froze. His touch sent shivers down my spine.

It was terrifying.

I was so afraid of what he was doing.

"I locked the door so that Adrian couldn't come in. I wanted to have you all to myself," he said.

I felt a wave of revulsion. I wanted to push him away with all my might, but I felt like ice, rigid and unable to move.

"Stop it, Kuya Richard. Please leave. I don't want this. Stop," I pleaded.

But he continued to stroke my leg and chest, and tears involuntarily escaped my eyes. I wanted to break free, but my body wouldn't respond.

"You don't want it? Haha, you like this, don't you? Don't pretend you don't. You love it when I do this to you," he said, pushing me down and looming over me.

"Stop it, Kuya Richard! Leave me alone! I'll tell Mama!" I cried out.

"Really? You're going to tell on me? You've been saying that for ages, but why haven't you done it yet? Why? Because you like this, you want me to do this to you," he taunted.

"No! Please stop! I don't want this!" I screamed.

But my eyes widened in horror as he grabbed my pillow and pressed it down on my face.

I couldn't breathe.

I desperately tried to pull the pillow away, but his strength was overwhelming.

He remained on top of me, pressing the pillow against my face, suffocating me.

My body fought back, thrashing and pushing against him, but he was too strong. I kicked and struggled, desperately trying to break free until my vision blurred and I lost consciousness.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in a familiar place – the garden. Night had fallen here too.

I knew I was dreaming again.

Tears streamed down my face as I slumped against a tree. Suddenly, someone approached me.

It was the mysterious man who always appeared in my dreams. He looked at me, his eyes filled with worry and sorrow.

"Can I just stay here? I don't want to wake up yet. Because when I do, they'll just hurt me. Can I just stay here?" I pleaded with him.

He didn't speak, but simply sat beside me. His expression was filled with concern, and he embraced me.

I don't know why, but his embrace brought a sense of comfort. I hugged him tightly in return, sobbing uncontrollably.

The weight of my emotions was unbearable, and I felt like I never wanted to return to reality.

"The time you can spend here is limited because this is just a dream. As much as I wish to be with you longer, it's not possible," he said seriously.

"Why do you feel so familiar? Why are you always in my dreams? And why do you seem to know me so well? Are you truly my husband from a past life?" I asked him.

He simply offered a gentle smile and stroked my hair.

"You have so many questions in your mind. All of them will be answered in time. Don't worry, we will meet, we will be together, and I promise to love you and always protect you," he said with a tender smile.

"Who are you, really?" I asked him.

But he only smiled and handed me a single yellow rose.

Compared to any other rose, this one was a deeper, more vibrant shade of yellow.

He looked into my eyes, and in his gaze, I saw once again the familiar blend of sadness, joy, and love.

Once more, he held me in a tight embrace.

"I love you so much... so very much..." he whispered before the entire surroundings, including him, began to fade.

I gasped awake, finding myself lying in bed, tears streaming down my face.

My pillow was wet once again.

I saw Adrian sitting on a chair near my bed. He stood up with a worried expression and spoke to me.

"Rain! Thank goodness you're awake! That bastard, Kuya, is insane! Luckily, I had a spare key and managed to open your door before he could kill you," Adrian said, his voice filled with anxiety.

"Thank you, Adrian... thank you so much," I said with a weak smile.

"There's food on your table, Rain. Please eat something," Adrian said before leaving my room.

I walked over to the table and saw a meal of rice, bread, soup, and juice. I didn't feel like eating yet.

I wandered around my room for a bit when something by my window caught my eye.

There was a small table near the window, and what I saw there startled me.

It was a yellow rose.

The very same yellow rose the man in my dream had given me was right there in my room.

**

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Chapter 2: Classroom and Cold Stares

The following day, I awoke with the sunrise, my first thought to prepare breakfast.

I cooked hotdogs, eggs, and rice for my step-siblings.

I didn't linger to eat, my heart already thrumming with anticipation as I hurried to shower and dress for school.

Today, I was a college student.

"Let's head out together," Adrian said to me, his smile warm. I nodded, agreeing readily.

"Yes, children, go together. Here, this is your allowance for the day. Be careful," Mama said affectionately, handing us each our share.

"Thank you, Mama."

Adrian and I rushed out of the house after getting ready for school.

My heart pounded with pure excitement. I was finally going to college. I was a college student! My heart felt like it was doing joyful leaps within my chest.

The journey was slightly slowed by traffic, but it was swift enough as Adrian navigated the roads on his motorcycle to get us to school.

We immediately searched for our shared classroom. Thankfully, we were classmates.

I also glanced at my notes to check my class schedule.

A wave of nervousness washed over me as I entered the classroom.

So many eyes turned towards me. I couldn't decipher their thoughts.

I quietly looked for an empty seat when a group of female students suddenly blocked my path.

"What are you doing here? Who are you? Are you a transferee?" one of my classmates demanded.

"You don't seem to fit in here. Are you sure you're a college student and not a janitress?" another one sneered, her eyebrow arched disdainfully.

I saw Adrian begin to stride towards us, but I was taken by surprise when another girl suddenly appeared.

She was cute, with a noticeably full figure, short brown hair, and long, striking eyelashes.

"Leave her alone. She's a transferee student. Please be kind to her," she stated firmly.

"What business is it of yours, Yana?! You're already annoying, and now you're being a weirdo too!" one of the girls retorted angrily.

"You haven't changed a bit," Yana shot back, her voice laced with conviction.

"So immature, and so insecure. You try to elevate yourselves by stepping on others. You're all so pathetic." Even I was impressed by her boldness. I wished I could be that assertive.

"You're the pathetic one! You're a boyfriend snatcher! A flirt!" another girl yelled, pointing an accusing finger at Yana.

"This is nonsense. Come on, let's get out of here before the professor arrives late," Yana said to me with a reassuring smile.

I accepted her offer, and we headed to the library.

It was quiet there, with only a few people around. It was also pleasantly cool.

"Sorry about that, okay? Those harpies are just embarrassing with their behavior towards transferees. They're just insecure. Anyway, I'm Allyana, but you can call me Yana. And you are?" she said to me with a friendly smile.

"Rain," I replied simply.

"You're beautiful. Don't pay any mind to what those ugly creatures said. They're the ones who look like janitresses," she said matter-of-factly.

"Thank you so much," I said, smiling gratefully. "Thank you for defending me against them."

"Oh please, who else would help each other out if not us beautiful people?" she joked, followed by a laugh.

"Have you been studying here for a long time?" I asked her.

"Hmm, only four years since high school. I know those girls. They're just vile and brainless, completely classless, dear. So, they're not worth our time," she informed me.

"I wish I could be as brave as you," I said with a wry smile.

"You have to be, girl, especially with those kinds of people. They're not even our classmates; they just loiter in our classroom and have the audacity to bully transferees!" she said, her voice filled with irritation and anger.

"Really? They're not our classmates?"

"Yes, thank goodness, right? Otherwise, we'd probably be at war in class every day, hahaha. But I'll defend you anyway. I just can't stand seeing anyone left out or bullied," she said seriously.

"You're so kind. Thank you again," I said, smiling my gratitude.

"It's nothing. We're friends now, okay? Let's have lunch together, and oh my gosh, let's cut class! Let's go shopping and wander around! Just kidding, hahaha," she said playfully.

I noticed she had a cheerful and lighthearted personality. She was easy to be around.

"What about your friends?" I asked her.

"I don't have any friends anymore. Those girls who bullied you earlier, they used to be my friends, but they all cut me off. They got angry at me because they said I stole one of our friend's boyfriends, which isn't even true. They're liars and would do anything to ruin someone. Luckily, I didn't let those ugly people win," she explained.

A pang of sadness resonated within me at her words. Her friends had abandoned and slandered her. It must have been incredibly difficult for her, but she didn't show any signs of being burdened, radiating a strong and resilient aura.

"I developed trust issues with friends. Honestly, I don't want to get attached anymore. But I couldn't stand it earlier when I saw them ganging up on you. I couldn't bear not to intervene and defend you. I won't let them do what they did before again," she said seriously.

"You're so kind. I wish I had your courage," I said.

She chuckled.

"What 'I wish I had' are you saying? Hahahaha. Just don't let those people bully you, don't let them trample on you. You have to be strong, girl," she advised me with a smile.

"I'll try," I said earnestly.

"That's my girl! Oh my gosh, our class is about to start soon. Let's go back to the classroom," she said hurriedly, and we quickly walked back.

We rushed into our classroom and looked for seats, settling in the third row, side by side.

A few minutes later, the professor arrived.

Unlike high school, there were no lengthy introductions for everyone; only the transferee students introduced themselves.

We transferees stood up and introduced ourselves.

"Good morning. My name is Rainzelle Vaness Claudia," I said simply and sat down.

The other transferees introduced themselves as well; there were quite a few of us.

The last transferee to introduce himself was a fair-skinned and tall guy with dark brown hair, gentle features, a prominent nose, good looks, and he wears glasses.

"Hello, good morning. My name is Devan Elijah Shih," he said with a smile.

An inexplicable feeling stirred within me. I found myself gazing at him, a strange and unfamiliar sensation taking root. I dismissed it as nothing.

On our very first day, we were immediately assigned a group activity to do in pairs, and my partner was Devan.

The task was simply to converse and interview each other. Since our course was Psychology, this was supposedly to enhance our listening, communication, and questioning skills.

It was also a great way for classmates to get to know each other better, especially with so many transferee students.

"Hello, my name is Devan. What's yours?" he asked me.

"Rain," I replied simply.

"Rain? Hmmm, when's your birthday? And what's your favorite color?" he inquired.

"July 7th. My favorite color is blue. How about you?" I asked him.

"January 12th. I'm a Capricorn. My favorite color is black. By the way, was psychology your first choice of course?" he asked me.

"Definitely. It's always been my dream to become a psychologist someday, to help those with mental health illnesses. I'm a good listener and have empathy. I'll do everything to make that dream come true," I said, sharing my aspirations with a smile.

"Wow, good luck with your dreams. Same here, I really like this too. I actually went through an existential crisis and depression before. It was incredibly tough, but here I am now, studying Psychology. My first client was myself, haha," he said with a smile. He was easy and cheerful to talk to.

"Good luck to you too," I said, smiling.

"Hey, that's anime! You watch anime too?" he asked, staring at my phone wallpaper.

I had accidentally pressed my phone, revealing my Miyamura from Horimiya wallpaper.

"Yes, I love anime. Do you too?" I asked him.

"Wow, really? That's amazing! I'm already on episode 733 of One Piece. It's a true masterpiece! And your wallpaper is beautiful too, Horimiya. What anime have you been watching recently?" he asked me excitedly.

"Demon Slayer... I have a crush on Inosuke..." I confessed. He suddenly burst out laughing.

"You're awesome! Good thing you're an otaku too. Inosuke is solid! My crush is Mitsuri, she's so cute, and Kanao, hays, I'm in love, haha," he said, still chuckling.

"What other hobbies do you have?" I asked him.

"Hmm, I love playing online games, I also enjoy listening to music, and I'm a big collector of anime merchandise. Want to join me? There's an anime fan meeting on Saturday, it's going to be awesome!" he invited me excitedly, his face lighting up.

I couldn't help but smile; he looked like an adorable kid.

"I'd love to, but I have a lot of household chores to finish. I need to do laundry, clean... so many things at home," I said.

"That's sad. You're like Cinderella, but you're really hardworking! It's okay, maybe when you're free. What's your Facebook name, by the way? I'll add you," he asked, handing me his phone.

I typed my Facebook name and showed it to him.

"Whoa, your profile pic is so cute! It's Miku Nakano. Pfftt, you guys kind of have the same vibe, haha," he said, laughing as he looked at my profile picture.

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and I avoided his gaze.

I decided to change the subject.

"How's your family, by the way? Where are you in the sibling order?" I asked him curiously.

"Second, I'm a middle child, but I don't have middle child syndrome, I'm a good boy, I think, hehe. Things are okay at home, my parents' work is quiet, and my siblings are in their own worlds. How about you?" he asked in return.

"My parents are gone. I don't have many memories of them. The only family I have now is my stepmother and my step-siblings," I said somberly.

"Oh, man, you really are like Cinderella. Is it okay to talk about that? I'm a little worried you might cry, and damn, I'm not good at comforting people," he said with concern.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his way of speaking; it was endearing.

"It's okay with me," I said with a small smile.

"Still feels scary though, it's a sensitive topic. Let's change the subject. What's your type in a guy?" he asked, his curiosity and interest evident.

I swallowed hard at his question. It felt even more uncomfortable to answer than our previous topic. I pondered my response.

"Maybe someone with green flags like Tanjiro, as kind as Kazehaya, and as cool as Miyamura," I replied with a smile.

"Wow, high standards, but that's okay. I'm even greener than those guys, haha," he joked, grinning at me.

"What about you? What's your type in a girl?" I asked him in return.

"Hmm, maybe someone as cute as Nezuko, as beautiful as Itsuki Nakano, as sexy as Boa Hancock, and as kind as Hinata Hyuga," he said with a smile.

"Our answers are so out there, haha, so far from reality," I said, laughing.

"That's how it is, but who knows, right? Maybe someone like that actually exists," he said hopefully.

"You're so delusional, enough already," I said, giggling, and he pouted. Cute!

"Delusional, huh? Oh, I have something to give you. Here, I have a Gojo keychain I just won at the arcade. You can have it if you want?" he offered, showing me the Gojo keychain.

My face lit up as he placed it in my hand.

"Whoa, it's so cute! Really, it's for me?" I asked him.

"Nope, never mind, I'm taking it back," he said. "Just kidding, haha, just teasing. It's really yours."

"You're so kind, thank you for this, thank you!" I said happily, gazing at the keychain with delight.

"Okay class, go back to your respective seats and please answer the questions I wrote on the whiteboard regarding your interview with your partner."

I smiled.

Talking to Devan felt so easy and light.

You wouldn't immediately think he was so friendly and approachable because he looked serious, though his features were gentle.

At first, I thought he was quiet. I never imagined we had quite similar vibes, especially with anime. He was so easy to talk to, and I wished we could have talked longer.

Our conversation earlier felt cut short.

A little while later, the professor announced that it was lunch break.

Yana and Devan immediately approached me.

"Come on, sis, let's have lunch together," Yana said to me with a bright smile.

"Nah-uh, Rain's having lunch with me. We're best friends. Back off, girl," Devan declared playfully.

"Huh? I was her first friend since this morning! Right, Rain? We're having lunch together, right?" Yana insisted, looking at me.

"She's going to choose me. We have the same vibes, and we both love anime. We still have so much to talk about, right, Rain?" Devan countered.

"She's not choosing either of you because she's eating with me," Adrian suddenly said, having appeared silently beside me.

"And who are you?" Yana asked with a sharp tone.

"I'm Rain's brother," Adrian replied, his voice serious and cold.

"Hays, don't fight. Let's all have lunch together, okay? We only have 20 minutes for lunch, we might not even get to eat if we keep this up. Let's go," I said, pulling the three of them towards the cafeteria.

The four of us sat down after buying our lunches. An awkward silence hung in the air between the three of them, with only Yana chattering away. Adrian was engrossed in his phone while eating.

I noticed Devan seemed to be subtly glancing at me, or was I just imagining things?

"Wait a moment, I'm just going to get some water," I excused myself to get a drink.

As I was walking, someone suddenly bumped into me, and a full cup of iced tea spilled all over my uniform.

The iced tea was still full of ice. The girls who bumped into me burst into laughter.

"Oh, sorry, girl. Sorry if we spilled iced tea on you. We didn't know you were so clumsy and careless. My bad," one of them said with a sneer, rolling her eyes.

Her companions joined in her laughter. There were six of them.

I just looked down, staring at my uniform now soaked in iced tea and ice.

I heard other students laughing and making insulting remarks.

The next thing I knew, Adrian, Devan, and Yana had confronted the girls who had bumped into me.

I saw Yana grabbing the hair of the girls who had spilled the drink on me. Adrian had the other girls by their collars.

Meanwhile, Devan approached me, his face etched with concern, and handed me his blue handkerchief, helping me clean myself up.

The commotion between Yana, Adrian, and the iced-tea-spilling girls continued.

Suddenly, a bald man in glasses and formal attire appeared, his face contorted in anger, and bellowed:

"What's this commotion all about?! YOU! YOU! YOU! YOU! YOU! AND YOU! GO TO THE GUIDANCE OFFICE! NOW!!!"

Chapter 3: The Boy in the Dream

The school day had barely begun, and already we found ourselves sitting in the guidance office.

A heavy silence hung in the air as the guidance counselors offered their advice and reprimands.

It was almost comical, the way the very students who had caused the trouble were now playing the victims, feigning tears in a blatant attempt to garner sympathy from the counselors.

Honestly, it was unbelievable.

Yana and Adrian were visibly seething with anger and frustration as they sat there, their expressions tight with annoyance.

Devan, on the other hand, wore a worried frown, his concern evident.

After what felt like an eternity, the counselors finally finished speaking with us, and we were allowed to return to our classroom to try and salvage what was left of the school day.

The atmosphere in the classroom was surprisingly normal, considering the morning's events.

However, a knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. I couldn't shake the feeling of dread that washed over me as I imagined my mother's reaction when she found out that on my very first day, I had already been called to the guidance office. It felt as though I had already squandered the opportunity she had so generously given me to pursue my studies.

Lost in my apprehensive thoughts, I didn't even realize that the class had ended. I must have been completely out of it the entire time.

Suddenly, Yana was beside me, her presence pulling me back to reality.

"Girl," she said, her voice laced with concern, "you look so stressed. Don't let those bullies get to you. Come on, let's go have some fun! Let's get out of here."

Her usual vibrant energy was infectious, and she seemed genuinely eager to lift my spirits.

Before I could respond, Adrian interjected, his tone firm.

"And where exactly do you think you're taking my sister? She's coming home with me." His gaze towards Yana was stern, bordering on disapproving.

Yana rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, come on, Adrian! You're such a killjoy! I'm just trying to help Rain de-stress. Beautiful people like her aren't supposed to be stressed, especially not on the first day of school! Duh!"

Just then, Devan appeared as if from nowhere, a friendly smile on his face.

"And of course, I'm coming too! I want to join you guys; you're the only people I know here."

Yana's demeanor instantly shifted, her usual cheerfulness replaced with a playful annoyance. "And why exactly would you be joining us? You're a boy! No boys allowed!"

Devan clutched his chest dramatically. "Ouch! That was unnecessarily offensive! My feelings are hurt!" he exclaimed, hamming up his supposed distress.

Yana sighed, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Fine, whatever. You're a transferee anyway, and the more the merrier, I guess. So, Mr. Protective Older Brother," she directed her attention back to Adrian, "can your sister come with us? We're not going to get her drunk or anything!" she pleaded.

Adrian let out a long-suffering sigh. "Hays, alright, Rain can go. But I'm coming too. Rain, I need to keep an eye on you; I don't trust these two," he said seriously, his gaze unwavering.

Yana gasped dramatically. "Oh my gosh! What do you think we are, drug lords? And what is Rain, a kindergartener? Let her enjoy herself! But fine," she conceded, a playful glint in her eyes, "since you're handsome, you can come along."

A blush crept up Adrian's cheeks. "What? H-handsome?" he stammered, clearly flustered.

Yana simply smirked and rolled her eyes at him, then turned her attention back to me.

And just like that, the four of us started walking towards the nearby mall.

We strolled around aimlessly, indulging in ice cream and milk tea, and snapping photos here and there, capturing the unexpected camaraderie of our first chaotic day.

"Hahahahaha! Look at this picture of you, Adrian! You look like a grumpy frog!" Yana teased relentlessly, holding up her phone for us to see.

Adrian's face flushed with mock anger, and soon, the two of them were engaged in a playful back-and-forth of teasing and playful insults.

It was amusing to witness the unexpected formation of what looked like a budding "love team."

Meanwhile, I noticed Devan smiling softly to himself.

But then, his expression suddenly turned serious, and his gaze drifted into the distance, as if he were lost in deep thought.

I couldn't quite decipher it, but there was something different about how I felt whenever Devan was around.

It was an unfamiliar and inexplicable sensation.

"Are you okay, Rain?" Devan's voice broke through my thoughts. I realized he was looking directly at me, his eyes filled with concern.

"Huh? Oh, yeah... I'm just a little shaken up, you know? First day of class and we already ended up in the guidance office," I replied sheepishly.

Yana waved her hand dismissively.

"It's not your fault, girl! You're practically the main character in a Wattpad story! That's why those bullies are targeting you – because you're the protagonist! This kind of thing has to happen to make you strong. It's all part of the journey, hehe!" she joked, erupting in a loud laugh.

Adrian shot her a sharp look. "You're out of your mind! Did you escape from a mental institution? What are you even talking about?" he asked incredulously.

"Wattpad, you idiot! Don't you know what that is? Have you been living under a rock?" Yana retorted, her tone sharp.

Devan's attention returned to me, his gaze gentle. "Don't worry, Rain. We're here for you. We won't let them hurt you," he said calmly, offering me a reassuring smile.

"Yes, exactly!" Yana chimed in. "Honestly, I don't get why they're picking on you. Look at you! You're so pretty and you have such a soft girl vibe!"

A genuine smile touched my lips.

"Thank you, guys. It means so much to have you both here, defending me. I don't feel so alone anymore. I really appreciate it," I said, my gratitude.

"Don't even mention it, girl! We've got your back. We'll be your protectors!" Yana declared confidently, flashing me a sweet smile.

Devan's brow furrowed with concern. "What's even the point of those girls' actions? Why did they do that to Rain? Are they crazy?" he wondered aloud.

"Because, duh! Rain is the protagonist of this story! She just needs to go through these trials and tribulations!" Yana quipped, winking playfully.

Adrian promptly flicked her forehead.

"Ouch! You jerk! That hurt! You sadistic monkey! I hope you go bald!" Yana exclaimed, rubbing her forehead with exaggerated pain.

Devan chuckled heartily at their antics. I couldn't help but notice how lovely his smile was, revealing two charming dimples. He had a really beautiful smile.

Yana's expression turned serious as she finally addressed Devan's earlier question.

"But seriously, those bullies used to be my friends. But not anymore. Those bitches cut me off because they accused me of trying to steal their boyfriend. They love to step on other people, bully them, make up stories to ruin reputations, and just generally be mean. I don't know what their real motive is; they probably just lack attention or something."

"Wow, that's intense. They sound like the bullies in those Wattpad stories who torment the nerdy protagonist who turns out to be the secret child of a billionaire mafia boss," Devan remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Yana burst out laughing.

"Hahahahaha, you nailed it, baks! You totally got it!"

I straightened my shoulders, a newfound resolve hardening my gaze.

"Well, I'm not going to let them get to me. I won't let them hinder my studies. They picked the wrong person to bully," I stated firmly.

"That's the spirit, girl! That's exactly how a protagonist should be! Fierce!" Yana exclaimed enthusiastically.

Adrian, however, seemed to have had enough of our dramatic recounting.

"Alright, that's enough. Let's go home," he said seriously. Yana shot him an annoyed look.

"Hold on a second, Adrian! You're being such a killjoy! We were having a good conversation! It's only 4:30 PM! Come on, let's go do some karaoke first!" she suggested brightly, already pulling us towards the arcade's karaoke section with infectious excitement.

Yana sang one song after another with unrestrained energy, her voice filling the air.

Devan occasionally joined in, his voice surprisingly pleasant.

Adrian remained a silent observer, his expression serious as he watched them.

Kissy face, kissy face sent to your phone, but

I'm tryna kiss your lips for real (uh-huh, uh-huh)

Red hearts, red hearts, that's what I'm on, yeah

Come give me somethin' I can feel, oh-oh-oh

Don't you want me like I want you, baby?

Don't you need me like I need you now?

Yana's energetic performance included little dance moves, much to Devan's amusement, who was laughing along.

Adrian, however, looked like he was about to explode with annoyance at any moment. Even I felt a little intimidated by his dark glare.

When Yana finally finished her song, she thrust the microphone into my hand.

"Your turn, Rain! Omg, you have to sing! I wanna hear your angelic voice!" she exclaimed excitedly.

I nervously scrolled through the song list and selected one, punching in the number. "Die with the Smile" by Bruno Mars."

I, I just woke up from a dream

Where you and I had to say goodbye

And I don't know what it all means

But since I survived, I realized

Wherever you go, that's where I'll follow

Nobody's promised tomorrow

So I'ma love you every night like it's the last night

Like it's the last night

If the world was ending, I'd wanna be next to you

If the party was over and our time on Earth was through

I'd wanna hold you just for a while and die with a smile

If the world was ending, I'd wanna be next to you

As the last notes of my song faded, I looked up to see Yana and Devan staring at me with their mouths agape, completely shocked.

"Shocks! You don't have autotune, teh? That's your natural voice?" Yana asked in disbelief, her eyes wide.

"Your voice is beautiful, Rain! Why haven't you auditioned for 'The Voice' or something?" Devan added, equally impressed.

I scratched the back of my head, avoiding their gazes. I always felt self-conscious whenever people complimented me.

"Legit, teh! Your voice is like an angel's! It reminds me of IU's voice!" Yana gushed.

"Thank you," I mumbled shyly, still avoiding eye contact.

Next, Devan selected a song and began to sing.

I am not the only traveler

Who has not repaid his debt

I've been searching for a trail to follow again

Take me back to the night we met

And then I can tell myself

What the hell I'm supposed to do

And then I can tell myself

Not to ride along with you

I had all and then most of you

Some and now none of you

Take me back to the night we met

I don't know what I'm supposed to do

Haunted by the ghost of you

Oh, take me back to the night we met

That strange, familiar mix of longing, sadness, and a peculiar sense of joy washed over me again as I listened to Devan sing.

I instinctively reached up and touched my temples. A sudden throbbing pain shot through my head, and I felt a wave of dizziness.

"Rain, are you okay?" Adrian asked, his voice filled with concern as he reached out to steady me.

"Y-yeah, just a bit of a headache," I managed to say.

"Ugh, see? That's what happens when you sing so badly, Devan! You gave Rain a headache!" Yana teased, but Devan completely ignored her.

He stopped singing and approached me with a worried expression.

"Seriously? Your head hurts? Maybe we should call it a night, guys. Rain probably needs to rest," Devan said, his concern evident.

"That's probably a good idea," Adrian agreed.

As the journey home progressed, my headache intensified.

Once we arrived, I immediately went to my room to change and lie down. The household chores could wait.

My body felt heavy with exhaustion, and all I wanted was to rest.

My eyelids grew heavy, and soon, my mind drifted into the realm of dreams once more.

I was surprised to find myself not in the familiar garden setting of my usual dreams. Instead, I was in a bustling ice cream shop. An overwhelming array of ice cream flavors was on display.

To my astonishment, the shop was crowded with people both inside and out, and the entire atmosphere felt incredibly real.

"Two orders of cookies and cream, please," a voice said at the counter. It was the mysterious man from my dreams.

He turned and saw me, a warm smile gracing his lips.

I was seated at a table, and he soon approached, carrying a cup of ice cream.

"Here, have some ice cream. It's a hot day, isn't it?" he said with a gentle smile.

"Thank you. So, I'm dreaming again," I stated, a sense of familiarity washing over me.

He simply smiled and changed the subject.

"How was your first day of class? Did you meet any new friends?" he asked cheerfully.

How did he know?

Did he know what was happening in my life?

"It was... eventful. A mix of excitement and anxiety. Some bullies targeted me, but thankfully, I met some kind friends who helped me," I replied simply.

"That's awful. They're probably just jealous of you because you're beautiful... incredibly beautiful," he said, his gaze lingering on me with a soft smile.

His intense stare made me feel flustered, and I looked away.

"What about you? How are you?" I asked, trying to redirect the conversation as we both ate our ice cream.

"I'm okay. Just missing you terribly... I long to hold you and talk to you again... If only you could always be by my side," he confessed, his eyes filled with a deep affection as he looked at me.

I was speechless, unsure of how to respond to his heartfelt words.

"Sorry... uh, shall we go?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"Where to?" I inquired.

"It's a surprise. We have somewhere to go," he replied with a smile, and we walked out of the ice cream shop together.

We ended up in a park bathed in soft, glowing lights.

I couldn't explain it, but the sight was incredibly comforting.

We sat down on a swing set facing a tranquil pond.

"Rain?"

"Yes?"

"I love you very much..."

"Who are you?" I finally asked, the question that had been nagging at me.

"Hmm, you'll find out soon enough... For now, I'm just happy to be with you, but I want to be with you even more... I'll search for you wherever you go. I'll never stop loving you..."

"Why do I feel this way whenever I talk to you? I don't understand. I feel both sad and happy... I also want to be with you for a long time... but who exactly are you?" I asked, my voice filled with confusion.

"Rain... the time will come when you'll know. I don't want to rush things... just trust what you feel," he said tenderly.

Tears welled up in my eyes as we sat side-by-side on the swing. I didn't understand.

Why did it hurt?

Why this overwhelming sadness? Why did it feel so painful? I couldn't decipher the emotions swirling within me.

Suddenly, the mysterious man stood up and enveloped me in a tight embrace.

"I love you..." I heard him whisper.

The entire scene around us dissolved, including him, and I snapped awake.

Just like before, I woke up to a tear-soaked pillow, my mind in turmoil.

Who was that man?

Why did he always appear in my dreams? And why did he have such a profound effect on my emotions?

I sat up and reached for the yellow rose that still sat in my room, carefully tucked away in a drawer. It hadn't withered at all.

It was the yellow rose that the mysterious man had given me in my dream.

He was handsome, and yes, I had to admit I had a crush on him. It wasn't just his looks, though; it was the strange feeling I got whenever I saw him, even if it was only in a dream.

There was an emotional connection, and I felt like he knew me intimately.

He felt familiar, as if we had known each other for a long time.

And I longed for him. I constantly wished that I could dream for longer, at any time, just to see him and be with him.

I desperately wanted to know who he was.

Who was he in my life?

So many questions raced through my mind, but they remained unanswered, trapped within my thoughts.

I closed my eyes again, hoping to dream of him once more, and to my astonishment, just moments later, he appeared before me again.

"Rain!" he exclaimed in surprise, running towards me to embrace me.

The setting of the dream had shifted. Now, we were in a grand library. I found him engrossed in reading one of the books.

"I missed you..." I said softly.

He suddenly froze, and a tear escaped his eye as I spoke those words.

"I missed you too, Rain. I've missed you so much. If only we could always be together, I don't want to lose you, Rain... I want to be with you and see you always," he said, his voice thick with emotion as he held me tightly.

It felt strange and surreal, yet the feeling I had for him mirrored his words. I didn't know who he was in my life, but in that moment, all I wanted was to be with him.

"Were you reading earlier? What were you reading?" I asked him curiously.

"Ahh, nothing much... hehehe," he replied, a hint of nervousness in his voice as he quickly tried to hide the book he had been reading.

But I had already caught a glimpse of the title before he could conceal it. It was a book titled: How to be a good boyfriend.

A comfortable silence settled between us as we stood there in the vast library.

I couldn't explain it, but a profound sense of peace and happiness washed over me just being in his presence, even without exchanging words.

His mere presence was incredibly calming.

"Rain? Are you hungry?" he asked, breaking the quiet.

"Hmm? I'm okay," I replied simply.

"Come on, let's go eat," he suggested gently, taking my hand.

We found ourselves in a Japanese restaurant. I was surprised by how long we seemed to be spending together in this dream.

He ordered a variety of dishes, and to my astonishment, they were all my favorite foods.

"How did you know my favorite foods? Were you really my husband in a past life? You know me so well," I asked, my curiosity piqued.

He simply chuckled softly in response.

"Hmm, husband... that has a nice ring to it. I wish we were already married... I really wish we could just get married," he said with a tender smile.

A blush crept onto my cheeks, and I averted my gaze.

The way he looked at me was so intense, it felt like he could see right through me.

Soon, the food he had ordered arrived: takoyaki, tempura, California maki, tonkatsu, and sushi. My mouth watered at the sight of my favorite dishes.

We ate together, the atmosphere between us feeling like a date between two people deeply connected.

Moments later, I found myself walking hand-in-hand with him.

I wasn't sure why I was allowing things to progress this way, but I felt incredibly comfortable with him, as if holding hands was something we had done countless times before.

"Did you meet any guys at school?" he asked, his tone casual but with a hint of underlying curiosity.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah... there's Devan. He's nice and loves anime. He seems quiet and serious, but he's actually friendly and kind," I replied with a smile.

"Do you like him? Is he handsome?" he pressed.

"Handsome? Hmm, he's... good-looking," I conceded.

He suddenly frowned and pouted slightly.

"More handsome than me?" he asked, looking at me with a serious expression.

"Ha? Uhhmm... what are you saying? It's not good to compare! You're both handsome in your own way," I replied, trying to smooth things over.

"Look at me, Rain... don't you dare replace me with anyone else, okay? You're mine. I don't want anyone else having a crush on you. Only me. You should only be mine," he said possessively.

"Why? What are we?" I asked him directly.

He took a step back and scratched his head, looking slightly flustered.

"Hays, what is this... just don't ask questions. Just know that you're mine and you're off-limits to others," he said like a petulant child, which made me giggle.

Without thinking, I leaned in and kissed him on his cheek. He was just so cute when he was being possessive.

"You're like a child. You're so cute," I said with a smile, gently cupping his cheeks, which were now as red as tomatoes.

"Rain, don't tease me like that. I might not be able to control myself," he mumbled.

"Ha? What are you talking about? You definitely need to control yourself because there's nothing between us," I teased him playfully.

"Rain..."

"Yes?"

"I love you..."

I didn't respond immediately.

I looked into his eyes and saw a depth of love tinged with sadness. A tear escaped his eye and traced a path down his cheek.

He then conjured another flower, another rose, it was the same vibrant yellow.

"I won't stop until we're together. I will find you, Rain... anywhere, anytime, I will always love you," he whispered, placing the blue rose in my hand.

When I woke up, everything was gone.

He was gone.

It had all been a dream.

Tears streamed down my face once again after that encounter with the mysterious man.

A heavy weight pressed down on my chest, and I felt an overwhelming sense of longing and heartache.

My eyes widened in disbelief as I looked at my hand.

There, nestled in my palm, was another yellow rose that the mysterious man had given me in my dream.

Who is he, really?