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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Chasing Cupid's Arrow | Part 1

"Lee Sohee!"

Sohee spun around, greeted by a cheerful voice that called out his name with unmistakable warmth. The source was none other than Arang, a girl from another class who approached him carrying a paper bag adorned with a delicate pink ribbon. His heart raced as she stood before him, wearing a radiant smile and rosy cheeks that left him momentarily speechless.

Throughout the semester, Sohee had been diligently working to capture Arang's attention, and she, in turn, had responded positively to his efforts. He was convinced that a confession from her was imminent.

"Here!" Arang exclaimed, handing Sohee the paper bag. "These are homemade chocolates. I made them extra special," she added with a beaming smile.

"Oh," Sohee blushed, taking the bag containing the sweet treats. "T-Thanks, I mean these are nice, and I—"

"Make sure Seunghan gets these, okay? I wrote a little note there. I hope it's enough to express my feelings for him," she interjected, abruptly cutting him off and shattering his illusions of her affections toward him.

Forced to put on a smile, Sohee responded, "Sure. I'll give it to him." With that, Arang left, leaving Sohee grappling with the disappointment of unrequited love. He sighed, staring at the paper bag with a mixture of annoyance and resignation. "Jeez," he muttered, only to be interrupted by the gaze of his best friend, Seunghan, who was watching him.

"I thought she was confessing?" Seunghan inquired, observing Sohee's deflated demeanor and noticing the paper bag in his hand, which bore his own name.

Understanding the situation, Seunghan gave Sohee a consoling pat on the shoulder. "Times are tough," he commented with empathy.

"You don't even eat chocolates," Sohee retorted, irritated by Seunghan's nonchalant attitude toward the numerous admirers he had at school. "Can you get a girlfriend already? I feel like the girls are only using me to get close to you."

Laughing, Seunghan replied, "You're the one ignoring all the red flags they're showing you. You're blinded by the romance."

"Romance? That's why I'm here! I'm here for romance! I was born to be romantic. I was born to be loved!" Sohee declared with such force that it drew the attention of everyone nearby. Unfazed, he continued, "We're in our last year of high school. I. JUST. WANT. A. GIRLFRIEND. WHO. LOVES. ME." He whined, facing Seunghan with desperation.

"You'll find her eventually," Seunghan assured him, but Sohee continued to sulk as they made their way to their classroom.

Amidst the class discussion, Sohee couldn't shake off the lingering disappointment that the girl he harbored feelings for had eyes only for Seunghan. It was a familiar scenario for him – nobody appreciated him for who he was; they only showed interest because of his close friendship with Seunghan. He sighed, his gaze shifting surreptitiously to his best friend who was absorbed in the lesson.

'That sharp jawline, perfectly shaped lips, his piercing gaze, his perfectly shaped eyebrows, his height… and Seunghan was incredibly smart. The only downside is that he doesn't care about the girls who like him…' Sohee's thoughts seemed like a litany of admiration, though his face appeared to be resentful. In reality, all he could think about were Seunghan's positive qualities.

Even during basketball practice, Sohee's energy was lacking. He played half-heartedly and found himself benched by the coach. The efforts he had put into garnering attention, making the girl happy, and ensuring her laughter and appreciation – all seemed futile.

"Thought Arang was going to confess to you?" Woo-sung asked, sitting beside Sohee and sensing the palpable heartbreak. "Looks like she didn't."

Sohee remained silent, turning his gaze to Woo-sung with vacant eyes. "Jeez, Sohee. Why don't you confess to her instead? What if you're just overthinking?"

"Confess to her?" Sohee blinked, snapping back to reality. "I've never thought of it," he admitted, shifting his attention to Seunghan on the adjacent bench. "Hey, Seunghan. I'm going to confess to Arang. What do you think?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Seunghan retorted coldly. "You'll end up getting hurt."

"Come on! What if she's just waiting for me to tell her? What if she knew that you don't like chocolates, and these chocolates were actually for me?" Sohee's spirits lifted momentarily. "Come on!"

Seunghan sighed, rolling his eyes in annoyance before turning to Sohee. "… No."

"Come on, Seunghan. Why don't you just give your friend a push?" Woosung interjected, but Seunghan remained silent, making his way outside the gym. Sohee, now consumed with thoughts of confessing to Arang, followed closely behind. "Jeez, I hate that bastard," he muttered under his breath.

"Come on, today's gonna be the day, Seunghan! It's now or never!" Sohee pleaded with Seunghan to join him at the music club where Arang was rehearsing for her upcoming recital. "My heart's going to explode if I don't tell her how I feel. I really want to know how she feels about me."

Seunghan, annoyed, halted and turned to Sohee. He wanted to berate Sohee for his desperate romantic pursuits, but witnessing his best friend's obvious and hopeless infatuation was a painful sight. He sighed, reluctantly agreeing, "Fine. I'll go, but I won't show up."

"Sure." Sohee beamed, expressing gratitude for Seunghan's reluctant support.

…

"Sohee! You're here!" Arang exclaimed upon seeing Sohee at the door. She glanced around before turning back to Sohee. "Where's Seunghan?" she inquired.

"Uh, he went home," Sohee replied, his nervous smile betraying his excitement. Gazing at Arang, he was captivated by her long black hair, small face, big boba eyes, and doll-like lips – a perfect combination of beauty. In addition to her looks, she possessed a remarkable singing voice. Sohee handed her the flowers he had picked from the school garden. "These are for you. You like tulips, right?"

"Oh wow. Are these from Seunghan?" she asked, smelling the flowers. "These are so pretty…"

"Actually, those are from me. I want to say that I like you a lot, Arang! I really do!" Sohee declared with an earnest voice, ensuring his sincerity reached her. Excitement, anxiety, and happiness flooded him as he professed his feelings to Arang. His cheeks and ears reddened with the intensity of his emotions.

In this hopeful moment, Arang appeared delighted with the flowers until…

"What the hell…"

Sohee did a double take upon hearing those words. Confusion crossed his face as Arang's expression drastically changed from moments earlier.

"W-What?" Sohee stammered.

"This is so embarrassing," she muttered, flicking her hair aside and glaring at Sohee. "What? You like me? Can't you hear yourself? It's disgusting!" She snapped, her words echoing through the music room, drawing the attention of other students.

"Wait, did I make you mad? I'm sorry," Sohee apologized, struggling to comprehend the abrupt turn of events. The sweet, kind, and gentle Arang he knew was now replaced by a scarily resentful version.

"How stupid can you get?" she snapped. "Do you know how much I endured just to talk to you, to endure that hideous smile every time you see me just to get close to Seunghan? Gosh! So annoying!" Arang spat out her frustration.

"Y-You don't like me? I thought…" Sohee continued to stammer.

"I hate you! I don't like you!" She yelled, ready to slap the flowers he brought when she noticed Seunghan standing against the wall, observing the whole scene. Swiftly, Arang changed her demeanor, patting Sohee's head and thanking him for the flowers. "You're so sweet. Thank you for this," she giggled, leaving Sohee terrified and emotionally wounded.

"Lee Sohee," Seunghan called, and Sohee, without uttering a word, ignored Arang and headed toward Seunghan. "You alright?" Seunghan inquired, noticing his friend on the verge of tears.

"Seunghan! There must be a misunderstanding," Arang seized the chance to explain herself. "H-How long were you standing there?"

Seunghan ignored her, but she gripped his arm. "Seunghan! I like you," she confessed. However, as she looked at his face, she gasped and started to cry. The intensity of Seunghan's expression was something she hadn't seen before.

"I hate girls like you," Seunghan said in the coldest tone, leaving Arang devastated. He walked away with Sohee, who was purely crushed by the unfolding situation.

They didn't exchange words; Seunghan refrained from mentioning his prior warning to spare Sohee's feelings. He could sense the depth of Sohee's feelings for her, and his emotions were undeniably genuine. Deciding to bring some comfort, Seunghan bought him ice cream before heading home. Sohee remained silent as he was served a generous portion of strawberry chocolate ice cream overload. Seunghan hoped the sweetness would offer solace to his devastated friend.

"You should tell me that you warned me," Sohee finally spoke, shoving a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.

"I'm not gonna say that. At least, you got to share your feelings, but…" Seunghan was interrupted as Sohee sighed heavily.

"This ice cream is good," he mumbled. "And, I was more shocked when she talked to me rudely," Sohee commented.

"So, will you be okay?" Seunghan inquired, aware that it would take time for Sohee to move on. Arang had been his crush for three months, dominating his thoughts until this unfortunate revelation. "I mean, try not to find love for a while, you know?"

Seunghan turned to look at Sohee, finding him sitting next to him with an angry expression. Cheeks stuffed with ice cream, Sohee held the spoon tightly before slamming it back on the table.

"Hey, Lee Sohee," Seunghan said, but he became even more confused when Sohee abruptly stood up and stormed out of the cafe. Seunghan followed him quickly, noting that it was unusual for Sohee to leave his food unfinished. He caught up and witnessed a girl being harassed by a group of thugs – four intoxicated men hitting on her and touching her inappropriately.

Sohee took a deep breath and yelled loudly at them, grabbing the men's attention. "Leave her alone!" he demanded.

"S-Sohee, I think we should just leave," Seunghan began to feel uneasy when the men approached him. "Hey! Sohee!"

"I got this." Sohee sternly said, clenching his fist. "I didn't learn taekwondo for nothing." He smirked, skillfully evading a straight punch by shifting his body to the left. He then punched the first man in the gut, swung his leg to hit the second on the side, and back-kicked the third, landing a painful blow to his crotch. The last one was still holding onto the girl's arm. "You! Get lost!" Sohee commanded.

"You want a piece of me?!" the scrawny man spat but was instantly knocked out by a punch from Seunghan.

"Whoo! Attaboy!" Sohee cheered for Seunghan, not accustomed to seeing him in physical altercations. After the scuffle, Sohee approached the girl to check on her, but she winced in fright, closing her eyes to avoid him. "S-Sorry… Please be careful on your way," Sohee politely said, heading back to the cafe.

Seunghan, ahead of him, was about to re-enter the cafe when he noticed Sohee halting his steps.

Sohee stopped when he felt someone tug on his blazer. Slowly turning, he saw the girl from earlier, gripping the hem of his blazer with small hands, panting from chasing him. She lifted her head, and their eyes met.

Sohee's heart raced as he locked eyes with her. Almond-shaped eyes, a small yet tall nose, and cherry-like lips adorned her face. A natural brown wavy bob complemented her pale complexion. She was like autumn in human form.

"I… I want to say that…" she began shyly, her voice sounding like a sweet song. "Thank you… Thank you for saving me earlier," she expressed.

"Oh…" Sohee could only manage that word. Despite his resolution not to fall for anyone after Arang, his heart unexpectedly swelled with happiness. He had found someone new to love. "It's not a big deal. I hope you're not hurt!" he tried to lighten the mood with a laugh.

The girl smiled tenderly at him. "I'm not. Thank you so much!" She let go of his blazer and walked away.

Seunghan joined Sohee, asking, "What was that?"

"Dude, I think I am in love…" Sohee confessed, sounding as if he had truly found 'the one.' However, as always, it resembled his past 'I'm in love' moments. Seunghan sighed, foreseeing his best friend's impending heartache.

#riize #fanfiction #seunghan #sohee #kpopfanfiction #chasingcupidsohee #riize fanfic #riize sohee

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Beyond the Bell's Chimes | FINAL

Jiwoo quietly sat on a bench facing the river. She sat there smiling as she reminisced about the past. If she didn't hear the song that triggered her core memories, the feelings life had suppressed, concealed from her to forget the life she wanted, the life filled with happiness and love. She couldn't help but quietly cry while feeling the warmth.

After the reunion, her friends went on with their lives. She realized that it was not only her who had it difficult in life. She learned that each of them lived a moment in their lives filled with difficulties, and she was proud of them, even to herself that they were able to go on happily.

Sungchan and Miyoung, once a happy loving couple in high school, didn't end up together because of differences as what both of them said during their get-together months ago. It was not easy to become friends with their exes, but Sungchan and Miyoung maintained it well. Though, Jiwoo wished that they will find their way back to each other because she could still see that they longed for each other.

Anton, with only a few years difference, he grew up to be a very fine man. He was still as clingy as back then and would always annoy the others. He pursued his dream of becoming a world-class cellist.

Shotaro became a business owner and owned several chicken restaurants. Who would have known that their family's chicken restaurant would become popular? Having the popular guys promote his chicken restaurant was a smart move. He also built a dance studio and held dance classes for aspiring talents.

Suyoung and Sohee got married like what they both said before graduating high school. The two were inseparable. Among the couples in their circle, the two were the healthiest and the least problematic. Only Jiwoo could laugh at herself feeling envious of the two.

Seunghan did really keep his promise to her that he will be by her side no matter what. Without her knowing, he has been taking good care of her parents and even Woojae behind the scenes. She felt bad for not noticing it all those years as she succumbed to her own mishap. Recently, he happily told her that he is beginning to like someone better than Jiwoo.

Wonbin had the best of both worlds, pursuing his passion for music and business. He remained a true friend. He will always be her first love, the one who loved her first for her, and the one who will always love her for her. Wonbin gave her a lesson to sometimes letting go of someone you love can be a start of a greater good.

"Jiwoo…" she slowly looked up and saw Eunseok standing a few steps from her. He looked like he ran his way to her once again. His eyes were big and bright, like almonds but were glimmering as it reflected the sparkling waters of the river. She didn't notice herself tearing until he mentioned it. He quickly went to cup her face and wiped her tears with his thumb. "I'm sorry, did you wait long?"

"Silly, no. I didn't." Jiwoo smiled. "I'm okay. I was just thinking about our friends.."

"Friends? Why?" He asked while getting seated next to her. "Are they making you sad?"

Jiwoo shook her head sideways, "the opposite. I just realized a lot of things. I get to talk with them and learned that we grew up differently.." She said, her eyes then shifted on his hand that was covered with blisters. She gasped as she held it up. "W-What happened?"

"Oh, this?" Eunseok asked. "I had to sign a lot of papers in a hurry.. I can't make you wait that long." He smiled, "Just think of it as my reward." He tried to make light of it but knowing Jiwoo, she didn't budge and went to get her cosmetic kit and pulled out some disinfectant and cream. She carefully mended his blisters and placed a plaster on the biggest one. Eunseok thought that he had to pull his hand away, but Jiwoo held it close and laced her fingers with his.

He tried his best not to smile widely, but his nerves betrayed him, and he pulled her close to his side, squeezing her hand. He then turned to Jiwoo, thinking that she was watching the river in front of them, but no. She was looking at him tenderly with a sweet smile on her lips. "Hmm?"

"I could watch you all day.." She spoke cutely, making Eunseok hold his breath, trying not to look like he was going to explode. "Can I do that?"

He took a deep breath and nodded, "Yeah, sure." He said.

Jiwoo chuckled and moved closer to him, letting go of his hand and slowly wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her lips on his cheek. "I am so happy that you're here." She confessed. "To be honest, even before the reunion, I thought of everyone and everything made sense…"

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"I lost my reason to live… Somehow, I lost myself in the process, and I felt lonely despite my achievements, despite having mom and dad live well.." She explained, "I happened to hear a song that made me remember all the things that happened in high school… everything we've been through together after that." She said. "I used to see myself looking lifeless, but when I remembered all those things, I began to look much livelier.."

Eunseok listened to her with pure intent, and when she finished, he gently planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'm proud of you." He said, those words made Jiwoo's heart skip a beat that she suddenly hugged him tightly. She never knew those words would mean so much to her. "I thank God, that we were able to cross paths again."

"I never loved anyone after you.." She confessed. "When I saw you at the hotel, I wanted to hug you, like I wanted to ignore the fact that there were people there… but I was hesitant because I thought you were mad at me.." She explained, "But now, everything fell into place."

"We just have to make up for the time we spent apart with a lifetime of being together." Eunseok said as he held her hand gently. "I told myself that I will never love any woman after you. My heart only wants you. Your happiness is my happiness.. your sadness is my sadness.." He explained, but Jiwoo began to chuckle, thinking that he was trying to lighten up the mood. "I'm serious, I want to marry you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life, Shim Jiwoo.."

"Who would have thought… that the King of Segye High School would want to date someone like me?" Jiwoo asked as she held his hand. "That, I wanted to ask myself if I were still not confident about myself.." She said, then cupped his face, gently caressing his cheek as she looked intently into his eyes. Her heart was racing, and it made her feel a bit breathless. "I had to build myself in order to deserve you, and I did. I did it so that I can be with you with no regrets.. I've finally reached my dreams, and I am very sure… very sure that I want to spend my life with you too.."

A sigh of relief left Eunseok's lips, dropping his head as he could finally breathe. "Damn, you got me feeling like I was in a roller coaster.." He commented, making Jiwoo chuckle.

"Did I?" Jiwoo said as she continued to caress his face. "I love you," She said, finally cupping the other side as she gently leaned closer to kiss his lips. "Thank you so much for waiting…"

Eunseok smiled, kissing her softly, gently falling into her sweet lips. "Will you marry me?" He asked when they pulled away and looked into each other's eyes.

Jiwoo burst out laughing, looking away to hide her red face. She did not expect that Eunseok would throw that question almost immediately.

"What? Did I say something funny?" He asked, pouting a bit. Jiwoo immediately shook her head and ceased her laughter. She then went back to hold his hand.

"Why are you so steadfast?" She asked him.

"I told you, I waited enough so this is it. I am so ready to marry you in an hour." Eunseok said with so much determination.

"You are really one of a kind," She commented and immediately gave him her sweetest answer with a kiss. "Of course, I will marry you, Song Eunseok."

The alarm went off, causing Jiwoo to turn and twist on the bed before reaching her phone on the bedside table. She immediately got up and slowly gathered up her senses before completely opening her eyes. She looked at the window and it was snowing. "Hmm, it's snowing." She told herself, then she felt someone shifted next to her. She turned her head only to see a hand poking out under the sheets and a glimpse of dark hair inches away from the headboard. She smiled and slowly went to check on him, pulling the blanket off his face.

Eunseok was sleeping soundly next to her. She pulled his arm from the side and placed it on his chest. He somehow felt her and went to wrap his arms around her, pulling her close, making her rest on his chest. "Hmm… good.. morning," He unconsciously spoke, not even opening his eyes.

Jiwoo smiled and pecked his cheek. "Good morning," she continued to stare at his sleeping face before she moved a bit in his embrace and cuddled next to him. "We should get ready for work." She told him.

"10 minutes." Eunseok replied, still not opening his eyes. Jiwoo's warmth next to him was enough to charge him up for the day but he wanted more. He can't believe that their honeymoon had just ended.

"The chairperson can't be late." Jiwoo replied, making Eunseok annoyed and finally open his eyes and looked at her with a frown. "Hmm? Why look grumpy?"

"Because… you're making me so." He replied, but Jiwoo just smiled at him before cupping his face and caressed it. She then pinched his cheeks.

"What do you want for breakfast?" She asked but Eunseok was still sulking at her. She sighed and dropped her hands and stared at him sternly. "Babe.." She smiled, "10 more minutes?"

Eunseok nodded without hesitation and went to bury his face on her chest, hugging her tightly. Jiwoo sighed, smiling contently with him. "I love you… Eunseok."

"My wife… I love you too." Eunseok replied.

#riize #fanfiction #eunseok #seunghan #sohee #sungchan #anton #shotaro #wonbin #kpopfanfiction

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Beyond the Bell's Chimes | Part 59

In the car, Jiwoo tried her best not to cry after seeing Eunseok for the first time in so many years. Her heart was pounding so hard, and the image of him being with another woman was surprisingly painful for her to take. Woojae quietly watched his sister torment herself without saying a word in the car.

"You could have waited for him," Woojae said as he gave her his handkerchief, but seeing that Eunseok's reason for being there was someone else, he instantly knew what she could be feeling. "Do you want me to stay with you until the end of the party?" He asked.

"If that is okay," she replied.

"Are you worried that they won't talk to you?" Woojae asked. "Noona, being friends doesn't mean you have to see each other every day. Life comes first more than anything… " He sighed. "You did what you had to do back then; I am sure they will understand…."

"But it has been years," she reasoned.

Woojae shook his head and gave his sister an assuring smile. "True friendship lasts forever… I am sure they are waiting for you there."

"I don't know Woojae. I thought I can go there alone. I am sorry if I had to call you…" she sighed.

"Don't worry, noona." He smiled. "I told you, I am here for you always."

Eunseok had no choice but to find his way to the Segye High School Reunion as fast as he could. When he arrived, he was greeted by his former classmates. He was then found by Shotaro, who was hanging out at the parking with the other boys. Eunseok was disheveled as he was in a rush to catch Jiwoo.

"Hey, you look not okay." Sungchan spoke as he gave Eunseok a brotherly embrace. "Did you go here after I called you?" He asked.

"I saw Jiwoo at the hotel. Is she here?" Eunseok asked.

"Wait, you saw her?" Wonbin asked. Eunseok didn't notice him at first, but seeing Wonbin made his heart sank more.

"Is she here?" Eunseok tried to ask again, but his friends were more concerned about his state as he looked like he was losing his mind finding Jiwoo.

"She is not here yet." Shotaro spoke sternly. "As a matter of fact, she's coming with her brother,"

Hearing it, Eunseok sat on the concrete floor and relaxed for a bit. He felt like he ran several laps the moment he saw and lost her. He was quiet, but his friends felt how he was feeling at the moment.

He didn't notice Wonbin left to get him a can of beer from the food table. The others left to give them space, except for Seunghan who stayed with them.

"Drink," Wonbin told Eunseok after opening the beer can. The latter was hesitant, but Wonbin was persistent. "You need it." He said.

"It seems like you never stopped loving her," Wonbin spoke. "I applaud you for that." He chuckled a bit, trying to lift the mood. "If she comes, what is it going to be?"

"She broke up with me before telling me what was wrong…" Eunseok confessed. "She told me she was tired of me but it didn't feel that way…when she said that, but she begged for me to leave. I only found out that her dad got into an accident after his retirement and lost all of their savings for his medications, and Jiwoo had to drop off college for a year or two to work full time.. I didn't know. I hated her the entire time… I learned about her situation when I happened to meet her dad at the hospital years ago.."

"She never told us any of that.." Seunghan said, but the look on Wonbin's face was different. "You knew?"

"Only recently, from Woojae." Wonbin replied.

"After all these years, I still love her. Seeing her earlier made me feel so alive…. but then she saw my date, and I think I hurt her.." He said, a tear fell from the corner of his eye. Then they heard footsteps walking towards them. Everyone looked up to see who it was, and it was Woojae walking by himself.

"Shim Woojae." Wonbin spoke, excited to see the younger brother he took care of a long time ago. "Wow, you've grown a lot."

"I am glad everyone is here in one place.." Woojae chuckled as he greeted each of them with a hug. He noticed Sohee and Anton walking towards them; they greeted him with the same warmth. Even Anton, who was the last to be close to Woojae before they went on different paths.

"Noona?" Anton asked, seeing Woojae but not Jiwoo.

"Yeah, that's the problem." Woojae sighed. "She's outside, but I couldn't make her step out of the car. She is anxious to meet you. You know, she thought you guys are mad that she cut off any communication because of what happened back then."

Seunghan chuckled, "Seems like our Jiwoo is still worried about us," He said.

"Well, someone has to pick her up and tell her that it's okay. Right?" Wonbin asked, finally turning to Eunseok, who was quiet next to him. "You think you can fetch her, hyung?"

"What? I don't think—" Eunseok tried to shrug it off, unsure if Jiwoo really wanted to see him, but he felt a squeeze on his shoulder and turned to Wonbin.

"You're the one she needs," Wonbin said.

"Wonbin's right. What matters right now is Jiwoo." Seunghan replied.

Jiwoo was cupping her face, trying to compose herself in the car while Woojae went out to get her a bottle of water. She didn't know that her brother had met her friends for help, and she was crying inside the car alone. She thought that she'd be okay with Woojae to attend the reunion, but even with him, she felt anxious and tormented by the thoughts of her friends hating on her. She was sobbing quietly, trying to wipe down the tears in her eyes, carefully not ruining her makeup.

She couldn't get rid of the image of Eunseok being with another girl still. She still loves him after all these years, and if she were to ask, she wanted to be with him more than anyone in this world.

She took a couple of deep breaths before lifting her head up, thinking she'd finally composed herself. "I'm okay. It's just your thoughts, Jiwoo. No one hates you. Not your friends." She told herself.

Then a knock on the car window appeared. She immediately opened the door, thinking it was Woojae. "Woojae, I think I'm ready…" She spoke, but when she saw who it was, she stopped and stared at him. "S-Song Eunseok.."

Even before Eunseok could speak, tears began to stream down her eyes once more. She didn't say a word; instead, she began to cry her heart out, and Eunseok, worried as he was, went to cup her cheek and wiped down her tears. "Hey… what's wrong?" He gently asked.

"I don't want to cry, but I can't stop myself.." Jiwoo sobbed, she completely lost her composure and cried her heart out. "I'm sorry." She cried.

"Hmm? It has been years since I last saw you, Jiwoo… and here you are apologizing? For what?" He asked her. "For breaking up with me?"

Jiwoo didn't respond, but he knew that's what she thought. "I got mad because I didn't understand…" he said. "And you know what? I still love you after all these years. I tried to move on, but it feels wrong to live without you." Eunseok couldn't stop himself but to speak all the things he wanted to tell her. "I'm sorry I didn't try to know…"

Jiwoo continued to sob like a child in front of him. She thought she was the one who would say a lot of things, who would apologize for a lot of things, but it was Eunseok who said it all. "I didn't mean to break your heart.."

"You didn't, hmm?" Eunseok assured her as he pulled her into an embrace. "You didn't, okay? It must have been so hard for you and lonely.." He sighed as he gave her soothing back rubs. After a while, he pushed her an arm away to see her face, he smiled at her as they looked into each other's eyes. He felt so alive seeing her and holding her in his arms. She looked exactly the same as the last time he saw her.

"I look horrible," She mumbled, wiping her tears with her hand. Eunseok shook his head and helped her wipe her tears.

"No, you are beautiful." Eunseok assured her, making Jiwoo chuckle shyly. He was still the same. His words of affirmation always felt like a warm hug for her. "I told myself that if I see you again, I will never let you go."

"I won't go anywhere," She replied and pulled him in for a tight hug, burying her face on his chest. "I love you," She mumbled.

Eunseok smiled and hugged her back, patting her head. "I love you more, Jiwoo."

"Hey! I heard Jiwoo's here!" Suyoung rushed out of the gymnasium with Miyoung, walking towards the guys. She stopped halfway when she saw the guys were already talking to Jiwoo. Suyoung stopped and began to cry on her spot when Jiwoo and her locked eyes. "Shim Jiwoo, you bitch!" She yelled and before Jiwoo could respond, she hugged her tightly. "Where have you been? I missed you so much!" She cried.

"Suyoungie.." Jiwoo chuckled, hugging her best friend. "I missed you too." She chuckled.

"I've been wanting to tell you that I was never and will never be mad at you. Hmm?" Suyoung said as she cupped her cheeks. "Look at you, you are so pretty…" She pinched, then she turned to see Eunseok standing behind her. "Did you…"

Jiwoo looked at Eunseok before nodding to confirm that they are back together, making the guys cheer for them. "Finally, I get to see you guys together again~" Suyoung cheered as she hugged Jiwoo once more. "I'll make it up to you since I didn't invite anyone to my wedding with Sohee.." She grinned.

"You got married?" Jiwoo blinked. Suyoung and Sohee showed their wedding rings, and everyone congratulated them in chorus.

"I'm sure you really didn't forget about us," Seunghan spoke as he finally took a step closer to Jiwoo. She didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around him, missing Seunghan a lot ever since he went far to study. Then she turned to Wonbin whom she hadn't seen for years too.

"I thought I wasn't going to see you again," She told Wonbin as she hugged him.

"Well, I can't just miss this reunion and probably your wedding day…" Wonbin teased.

Jiwoo blushed at the thought, thinking it was a bit too fast to think about marriage now that she just got back together with Eunseok. "I'm going to stay a bit longer to establish my company here.."

"Whoa, congratulations!" Jiwoo cheered. She then spotted Shotaro standing behind, watching her like a proud dad. "Oppa," She smiled and hugged him close. "Thank you,"

"It's no biggie.." Shotaro pat her head.

Later on, they all gathered inside and were having wine and pasta. Jiwoo was left with the girls, catching up with their lives while the boys went to tables to greet their other friends. Jiwoo felt a bit woozy from the wine, so she decided to step out for a bit and went to sit in the school's flower garden. There were a lot of people around the place, talking and drinking too, so she didn't seem to feel lonely. She sat and stared at the night sky, hugging herself and smiling. She then heard footsteps, and it was Wonbin holding cans of warm coffee he took from the vending machine.

"Wonbin~" She smiled cheekily. "Where's Seunghan?" She asked as she fetched one of the warm cans. She muttered a thanks and opened it quickly before taking a sip.

"Well, he's out with Sohee, but he'll be here in a bit." He replied and sat next to her. "You okay?"

She nodded, "Just a bit dizzy from the wine."

"You should take it slow." He replied, glancing at her quietly, smiling as he felt a bit giddy to see her next to him once more. "I know it's been years, but Eunseok gave it to you, right?" He asked.

"Hmm? Gave what? Oh, you mean the box?" She asked, and Wonbin nodded. "Yes, he did. I still have it." She smiled.

"Really?" He asked, his face lit up. "I mean, it's been years, but I hope I did not make you sad or anything.."

"Of course, you made me sad, silly." Jiwoo replied. "How come you never let me see you one last time before you leave?"

"Well, I have my reasons." Wonbin smiled sheepishly.

Jiwoo glared at him and playfully nudged him by the shoulders. "Pft… But, I am glad you grew up fine, Wonbin. I always wondered what kind of an adult will you become.." she chuckled.

"Well, can you guess what kind of a man I am now?" He asked, straightening his back and sat loud and proud next to her. "Come on,"

"What kind of question is that?" She frowned. "I listened to your songs. I even bought your CDs." She said shyly.

"What? Really?" He gasped.

"That's why I knew you're doing well. I am proud of you." She said, ruffling his hair. "I just didn't follow you on your socials. I am not interested in using that…"

Wonbin blushed and felt giddy upon hearing that from her. "You're indeed my most loyal fan.." He said, smiling brightly. "But aside from that, I own a couple of businesses here. You should stop by sometime." He said.

"I will, Wonbin…but you have to give me your autograph." She said and held her hand up for him to stamp his hand as well, giving him a handshake. Until now, Wonbin was still in love with her, but then again, the way Jiwoo looked at him was completely different from the way she stared at Eunseok.

"You're still as amazing as I last remember you, Ji." Wonbin confessed. "I think I have to find someone better than you.."

Jiwoo blushed and gently hit his back, "What are you saying? I am nowhere great to begin with." She frowned, "But I really wish you do. I am going to root for you… Wonbin."

"Ehey, why am I feeling so cold here?" Their conversation was disrupted with Seunghan feeling a little bit tipsy and went between Wonbin and Jiwoo. "Why do I always have to be the chaperone in every group?"

"You are no chaperone, Seung." Jiwoo chuckled.

"Ahh, Ji!! How I missed being called that." He said, hugging Jiwoo with so much affection and bliss.

Jiwoo laughed and pat his head, "You are still as clingy as before.." She said and gently pulled herself away to see Seunghan properly and began to fix his collar. "Until now, I still have to fix your collar and tie.."

"That's why I can't live properly without you," Seunghan grinned.

"Seun.." Jiwoo sighed.

"Seunghan, you should stop." Wonbin pulled his friend.

"No, no, I don't mean it in a romantic way." Seunghan began to explain. "It's just that… I learned life the hard way without my best friends. I know that each of us had a fair share of difficulties but it is so much more difficult dealing with it alone. I am just so happy that we are able to meet each other again." He said, almost sulking and pouting.

"To be honest, I feel complete seeing you guys. I wished I was there when we were growing up. I realized that even no matter how close we are, time will indeed separate us and time will gather us again," Jiwoo said. "Growing up is lonely but I think learning and living life on our own seems worthy now that we are here. Don't you think?"

The two guys looked at Jiwoo beaming with smiles.

"What?" Jiwoo asked.

"You just reminded us why we love you still." Wonbin replied.

"Aigoo, you guys.. Please." Jiwoo sighed.

"Are you happy? Now?" Wonbin asked. "With Eunseok hyung…"

"Yeah, are you happy now?" Seunghan asked.

Jiwoo was quiet for a moment, but her smile radiated softly with the touch of the warm yellow lights above them. She held her hands and hummed for a bit before nodding. Her parents are comfortable, her brother is old enough to help her, and she is comfortable living as well. She has great friends and now that she has met them again, she is happy. Especially, meeting the man she loves for years.

"I would not say I am happy, but… I am tremendously joyful now."

#riize #fanfiction #eunseok #seunghan #sohee #sungchan #anton #shotaro #wonbin #kpopfanfiction #beyondthebellschimes

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Beyond the Bell's Chimes | Part 58

The sound of the pouring rain outside and the inaudible chatter of customers in the background felt like home as she stared at the slow spinning of the brown bubble on her coffee. Some people were dismayed about the gloomy weather, but a few in that cafe were blissful, taking a break from their hustles outside.

Jiwoo, like the others around her, was taking her time to breathe from work by staring at the busy street under the pouring rain. With a cup of joe on the golden brown mahogany table in front of her, she indulged herself in a mini photoshoot of the subject: the lone coffee cup.

Satisfied with the shots, Jiwoo had the feeling to snap a photo of herself sitting on the gray cushioned couch. Tilting her phone to a certain angle to hide her unflattering aspects, she got to see a beautiful her. She was proud as she checked her photos until she heard the music playing all over the place.

She couldn't help but feel giddy about the song. It had been years since she heard that song. She read in a post that there are things in this world that unlock a person's core memories—whether it's a smell, taste, sound, look, feel, or hear. With a single thing, she began to remember all the feelings she had when she was younger.

She began to wonder all the what-ifs and all the things she could have done in the past with the wisdom and knowledge she has now. Will she be able to experience those things still? Or will everything change and be forgotten?

Jiwoo woke up from a light tap on her shoulder. It was the server at the cafe. She didn't notice that she fell asleep after thinking so much. What surprised her was that she had her coffee not too long ago. She looked outside, and the rain had already ceased. She thanked the server and even gave her a tip before she stood from her seat.

"Leaving so soon?" Her uncle Wooseok was sitting at another table, looking as handsome as he did during his prime. She smiled and greeted him with a hug. "You could have given me a call if you're out here spending time alone," he said.

"I'll make sure to do that next time," Jiwoo smiled. "This cafe somehow reminds me of the old one I used to work at," she commented.

"Well, there are things we have to keep and things we have to let go. It was a great place, to be honest," Wooseok sighed, remembering the good old days. He quietly looked at Jiwoo with fondness the same way he would look at her when she was little. Wooseok, a bachelor still, always saw Jiwoo as his own no matter what. "Have you visited your mom?"

"I actually plan to spend the weekend at home, for Woojae's birthday," she smiled. "You must be there. You really have to be there," she said, holding her uncle's hand.

"Alright. I will be there," he chuckled. Jiwoo gave him a big tight hug before she left the cafe. Her uncle Wooseok had given up the cafe for commercial property reasons, but he was able to pull himself back by moving it to another location and successfully constructing a couple more branches in the city.

Jiwoo's parents were very healthy and happy now that her father had retired from work. They were able to purchase a piece of land in his hometown, where he grew vegetables for the local market. Woojae had grown into a wonderful high school student at Segye High School. He was still the sweet, thoughtful kid that Jiwoo always loved.

It was a spring day in the year 2023. Jiwoo received an invitation from the school's president about the high school homecoming of all graduates from Segye High School. A mix of excitement, anxiousness, and curiosity dwelled in her mind as she read the details and immediately confirmed her attendance. She began to wonder how her friends were now. It had been so long since they last met. They were together for a year after graduation, but university life had taken a toll on each of them until they no longer met. It was like an untold goodbye for Jiwoo, who remained still for her friends to come back anytime, until she too had to leave.

"Noona," her train of thoughts were cut when Woojae knocked on her door. "Dinner's ready."

"I'll be there," she replied and closed her computer. She then followed Woojae downstairs. Woojae had prepared bibimbap, her favorite for dinner. "Wow, looks good."

"Well, I had to make it because you seemed down these days. Is everything okay?" He asked. Jiwoo still couldn't accept the fact that Woojae had become a teenager who was so thoughtful and not rebellious. He had been so good at taking care of her despite being young.

"Hmm, I went to Uncle's cafe," she said while stuffing her mouth with food. "And it somehow reminded me about my friends back then."

Woojae sighed, "Don't tell me you miss them?"

"Of course, I do," Jiwoo replied. "You'll get there when you grow old."

"You're not that old, noona," he replied. "It's just that every time you think about them, you get sad, especially when you remember Euns—" He stopped halfway, realizing that he should not mention the man who became his sister's world but disappeared. "Dad wanted us to sell this house and move to a better apartment," he changed the topic.

"What's wrong with this house?" she asked. "It's well-maintained and could use a little renovation."

"Dad wants us to find a better place, noona," he tried to explain to his sister without telling her that she should move on.

"Hmm, I'll stay here, Woojae. If dad needs money, I can give it to him. I am doing well at my job," she assured her younger brother. "I've made a couple of investments too, so we don't really need to sell this house."

"Noona, I want you to be happy. I can take care of myself here," Woojae began to cry. He watched his sister sacrifice her adolescent life working to the bones when their dad got into an accident. Her savings in high school, which were supposed to be for her college fees, were all spent on the medical fees for her dad until he recovered. She did a lot of odd jobs and barely slept. She barely had time for herself, which made her lose the person she cherished. "Noona, we are okay now. You really should be living for yourself, not for us."

Jiwoo works as an art and humanities assistant professor at Sejong University. She is still pursuing her doctorate degree, which keeps her busy. Her job is fulfilling, and the students are all pleasant. Despite working there for three years, she hasn't encountered any familiar faces. During lunch with her coworkers, her phone rang, reminding her about the reunion later in the evening. She almost forgot about it, shocking her. She hadn't prepared anything, not even a dress. The reunion would take place in Segye High School's gymnasium, with an elite catering service managing the food and decorations. She wondered who planned such an extravagant event. With just two hours to prepare, she quickly finished her meal and sought permission from her boss to leave work early.

Being one of the favorite professors at Sejong University, Jiwoo's boss granted her permission to leave early.

She rushed to an upscale fashion store in the city, embarking on a treasure hunt for the perfect outfit. As an art major, Jiwoo had learned the basics of mixing and matching clothes and had interned as an assistant fashion coordinator for a famous magazine. Despite her introverted nature, Jiwoo had come a long way, learning how to prepare for an event like a reunion. She aimed to make a lasting impression.

After shopping, she headed to the salon to have her long hair styled. She had gorgeous black hair that reached her waist, but due to her busy schedule, she decided to cut it a few inches down her shoulders for the event. She also opted for a full glam makeup look that would complement her outfit, drawing inspiration from photos on her phone.

To give herself space and privacy as she prepared, Jiwoo booked a hotel room for the night. Standing in front of the mirror, fixing her hair, she gave herself affirmations. She felt anxious, not knowing who would be at the reunion. The thought of seeing Eunseok embarrassed her.

The memory of the night when everything seemed too hard haunted her. Her dad hospitalized, finances dropping, and her mind falling apart. Jiwoo didn't know if her life's difficulties would be temporary, and Eunseok, who loved her deeply, wanted to help. But she refused, feeling small and ashamed. She decided to break up with him and push him away. Since then, she never saw him again.

A tear fell as she remembered the pain she caused him. Despite the passage of time, Jiwoo still loved him. She hadn't dated anyone else. If she could turn back time, she would have held onto him and faced life's challenges together. If only she could.

The Segye High School was buzzing with activity, filled with cars in the parking spaces, and the gymnasium alive with music and people dancing. It felt like a school festival reminiscent of the old days, with laughter, sharing life's journeys, and a happy atmosphere.

Anton and Suyoung arrived at the venue, drawing attention as they linked arms. The crowd's focus shifted to them as they witnessed world-class cellist Anton Lee walking with Suyoung. Sohee, who was talking with Hanbin and Minseul, recently married, noticed them.

"I thought you two aren't together," Hanbin remarked upon seeing Sohee give Suyoung a kiss.

"We kinda remained lowkey and kept everything to ourselves. Our wedding wasn't grand, just a few friends and family," Suyoung explained.

"So, Jiwoo knew?" Minseul inquired. "I haven't seen her in ages."

"We haven't heard from her in a long time," Anton replied, his tone tinged with sadness. Anton deeply loved Jiwoo, and her sudden disappearance without a trace affected him profoundly. He didn't know what happened and couldn't find her.

"Oh my god, is she—" Minseul began to speculate the worst, but Suyoung immediately stopped her. "What about Eunseok?"

"Hmm, they broke up? I am not sure. Haven't heard of him in years," Suyoung shared.

"Well, I can sense the sadness here. We all miss each other, but it's not the end of time," Sohee tried to comfort them. "Anton, can you keep Suyoung company here? You can sit at that table," he gestured. "I have to meet Seunghan and Wonbin."

"Oh my gosh! They're coming?" Suyoung gasped in excitement.

"I'm not sure if Ji's phone number is still the same. I haven't really seen her for such a long time. Ever since her dad got into an accident, she had been so busy trying to make ends meet. I couldn't even have time to check on her because it was my finals…" Seunghan explained as he walked with Wonbin to the gymnasium. Wonbin had just arrived from New York, dressed all in black with his hair reaching his shoulders and thin-rimmed specs completing his look for the evening. Seunghan, on the other hand, worked as a general manager in a huge food company. "I am actually worried about not seeing her."

Wonbin stopped, "Don't you think she will hate us?" He asked, turning to Seunghan, who immediately shook his head sideways. "That's Jiwoo. If we are worried about it, how much do you think she will do? I mean, I wouldn't miss this opportunity if I were in her shoes. And I.. I wouldn't miss this opportunity too. So, she'll be fine. I am sure she will be here.." Wonbin assured.

"Wonbin! Seunghan!"

The two men turned their heads to see Sohee waving at them. Their faces lit up, and they instantly forgot that they were not teenagers anymore, running to each other and hugging.

"What the hell! How come you didn't invite us to your wedding?" Seunghan asked as he ruffled Sohee's hair.

"Whoa, easy with the hair! My wife took hours to fix that." Sohee chuckled, pulling away from his friends' hands. "Anton and Suyoung are inside. Did you know Minseul and Hanbin got married too??"

"Whoa! Really?" Wonbin asked, eyes widened in shock. He remembered the time Minseul pretended to flirt with him when they were younger. "Wow, sure time flies fast." He laughed.

"I am so glad you came here," Sohee sighed and ushered his friends to go inside.

Sungchan and Miyoung broke up after high school. Sungchan decided to take a break for a year while Miyoung pursued her studies, but they remained great friends. However, Miyoung found new love and was already engaged, while Sungchan remained single. He was waiting for Shotaro at the school front gate. He became closest to Shotaro, feeling like they were on the same level, and Shotaro had been his best friend during the tough times. His smile appeared when he saw Shotaro riding his motorcycle. He stopped and had Sungchan hop on before driving inside the school.

"I heard everyone's there. Eunseok's not really coming?" Shotaro asked and only received a shrug from the latter. "Well, I am in charge of the RSVP, and Jiwoo confirmed her attendance. You better tell him that she's coming. I am sure your friend has been waiting for her…"

Eunseok was inside his car stranded in the traffic along the main road. He had an appointment at 7 at the Hyatt Hotel, one of the blind dates his mom set up for him. Tired of meeting different girls every month, he rubbed his temples to ease his headache from the stagnant flow of the road when his phone rang.

It was Sungchan calling about the reunion.

"Hey, I have an appointment. I don't think I can—" He stopped when he heard Sungchan's news.

"Everyone is here," Sungchan said from the other line. "I mean, everyone will be here. Shotaro confirmed the RSVP."

Eunseok's heart began to race when his thoughts started to think about Jiwoo, seeing her again. "Wait… Is she there?"

"Well, you have to come here and see," Sungchan replied and immediately ended the call. Eunseok was left dumbfounded, not knowing what to do. Are they pulling a prank on him? If they do, this isn't a good prank at all. He began to think of a lot of possibilities that Jiwoo might be there. He didn't want to miss this opportunity; he didn't know when he would see her again.

"Sir, we are at the hotel now," his driver announced after stopping the car in front of the entrance gate. Eunseok paused for a moment and thought. He had to reject the blind date he had tonight for the unsure opportunity of meeting Jiwoo again at Segye High School. He doesn't know if she is going to talk to him, but all he knows is that he will give up everything he owns just to be with her again. He stepped out of the car and fixed his suit before walking into the hotel. He went straight to the lobby where he saw his date. He was about to take steps towards her, but his eyes caught a familiar face.

It was Jiwoo in the flesh, holding onto the arms of a man while walking out of the elevator. His entire world stopped when he saw her again after all these years looking so happy and beautiful. He couldn't control his emotions and even himself. He walked past his date and went to grab Jiwoo's hand that was holding onto the other man's arm.

"Shim Jiwoo," he spoke, as if her name was the only reason he breathed.

Jiwoo, surprised to see Eunseok in the hotel she was staying at, couldn't form a word to say to him. The way he looked at the man she was with, she could see the pain in his eyes.

"Eunseok-hyung?" the man spoke, making Eunseok get back to his senses and looked at the man who spoke his name. "Eunseok-hyung…"

"Hyung?" Eunseok stammered, turning to Jiwoo for answers. She looked hesitant, but she was able to pull her hand away from his hold.

"It has been a long time since we last saw each other," she smiled, "This is Woojae now."

"Woojae?" Eunseok stammered once more and realized that the little brother Jiwoo loved had become a young man he barely recognized. "Woojae!" He smiled as he pulled the boy for an embrace. "I'm sorry I did not recognize you."

"I heard a lot about it," Woojae chuckled, returning the embrace to his older friend. "What are you doing here, hyung?" Woojae seemed to have taken the conversation with Eunseok after seeing his sister's reaction to seeing him all too sudden.

"I was—" Eunseok was about to speak when a woman dressed in white, with orange wavy hair, tapped his shoulder. She looked sophisticated and was totally in the same league as Eunseok.

"I thought you saw me," she said, linking her arm with Eunseok. "I can't believe you are ignoring your date!" she huffed.

Jiwoo smiled; she felt the woman was trying to make a point with those words that she quietly tugged onto her brother's arm. "It seems we caught you in the middle of something, hyung. We'll be going to the reunion," Woojae said and slowly excused themselves.

Eunseok watched Jiwoo walked away without saying a word to him. He knew he would never have a chance to speak to her again if he let this slip.

"Shall we have dinner, Eunseok?" the woman asked as she was still holding onto his arm, but Eunseok gently pulled his arm from her hold.

"I'm sorry Hana, I came here to tell you that I am sorry. I really do," Eunseok said and was ready to follow Jiwoo, but Hana grabbed his hand once more.

"This is the 4th time our parents planned this date, Song Eunseok." She frowned. "Is she the one you've been waiting for?" she asked.

"I'd rather die than miss this chance to talk to her," he replied, on the verge of tears when he looked at her. Hana's hold slowly loosened and finally let go of him. He thanked her and ran after Jiwoo, but it was too late. She had already left.

#riize #fanfiction #eunseok #seunghan #sohee #sungchan #anton #shotaro #wonbin #kpopfanfiction #beyondthebellschimes

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Beyond the Bell's Chimes | part 57

It was the beginning of spring, and Jiwoo found herself amidst the crowd, observing the seniors leaving the gymnasium after the graduation ceremony. The realization that some of her friends were moving on from high school had settled in over the past week, bringing a mix of sadness and happiness.

Among the graduating students, Jiwoo's attention was fixed on Eunseok, walking with Sungchan and Miyoung, holding flowers and gifts from well-wishers. Her world seemed to slow down as she watched Eunseok, his radiant smile making her heart beat anxiously. Amidst the commotion of parents congratulating their children, Jiwoo felt a sense of uncertainty about the upcoming school year and wondered how things would unfold between them.

Eunseok approached his parents, who stood not far from Jiwoo, surrounded by bodyguards. They shared hugs and laughter until Eunseok turned his head, spotting Jiwoo. As their eyes met, Jiwoo instinctively looked away, feigning busyness. However, Eunseok sought her out, grabbing her hand and turning her towards him.

"Jiwoo," he said, smiling warmly. "I am glad you're here." He pulled her into a heartfelt embrace, catching Jiwoo off guard. Flustered but grateful, she hugged him back.

"Congratulations," she managed to say when they pulled away, their hands still intertwined. Eunseok looked exceptionally handsome, and Jiwoo couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions.

"Thank you, I am officially out of Segye High School," he joked, holding up his graduation certificate. Jiwoo chuckled and hugged him once more. Her feelings were a mix of joy and sadness, but Eunseok understood her well, reading the unspoken emotions in her eyes.

"Come with me, I'll introduce you to someone," Eunseok suggested, gently pulling her towards his parents.

"Mom, Dad… I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Shim Jiwoo," Eunseok confidently introduced Jiwoo to his parents, prompting Jiwoo to bow respectfully.

"It is nice to finally meet you. I'm Jiwoo," she said, her mind praying to various gods. Mrs. Song responded with a soft voice, surprising Jiwoo with a warm hug. Mrs. Song's embrace felt comforting, and Jiwoo couldn't help but tear up.

"You are such a brave, kind girl, my dear. I can tell that you are really full of love. Your parents must be so proud of you," Mrs. Song expressed. Jiwoo, still emotional, bowed again, thanking them for their kind words. Mr. Song, usually assumed to be cold, also proved to be warm, expressing full support for Jiwoo dating his son.

As Eunseok's parents had to leave for a business trip, they invited Jiwoo for dinner soon, leaving her feeling overwhelmed by their kindness. Once they were gone, Jiwoo and Eunseok shared a moment, smiling at each other.

"Eunseok," Jiwoo said, holding his hand and intertwining their fingers. "I prepared a little something for your graduation." She shyly smiled.

Excitement flickered in Eunseok's eyes. "What is it?" he asked.

"Well, I should take you there," Jiwoo replied, hailing a cab on the street. Curiosity filled Eunseok as they got inside the cab, and Jiwoo gave the driver directions. "Where are we going?" he asked, letting Jiwoo fix his necktie and cuff sleeves.

"It's a surprise," she grinned, handing him a paper bag. "And… here," she said, revealing a hoodie jacket.

"Hmm? Wow. Why do I feel like you really went all out this time?" Eunseok teased, opening the paper bag to find the surprise inside. "Wow…"

Jiwoo eagerly awaited Eunseok's reaction as he opened the paper bag containing the hoodie she had prepared for his graduation gift. However, his response was more subdued than she expected, prompting her to playfully pinch his cheeks.

"Why do you react like that? You don't like it?" she pouted.

"No," Eunseok replied, his gaze still fixed on the hoodie. Then, he noticed his initials embroidered on the right sleeve. "I love it," he smiled, turning to her. "Thank you." He placed it on her lap for a moment before taking off his uniform jacket and putting on the hoodie. Jiwoo felt a wave of relief as she saw how well it fit him.

"How do I look?" Eunseok asked.

"Handsome," Jiwoo chuckled.

As they arrived at their destination, Jiwoo led Eunseok into a beautiful forest bordered by a shimmering lake. Confused, Eunseok followed her until they reached a tent. It was small, open, and tastefully decorated with cushions and blankets beneath hanging string lights. Two foldable chairs faced the lake, accompanied by a barbecue grill and a cooler.

"Tada~" Jiwoo cheerfully announced, revealing her surprise. She had diligently saved tips and a portion of her pay from working at the cafe for six months to make this plan come to life. "Again, congratulations, Eunseok!" She hugged him.

"You did all of this?" he asked, returning the embrace. He hadn't expected her to go to such lengths for his graduation.

"Well, you told me you wanted to go camping with me but didn't have time because of school stuff," Jiwoo said with a cheeky grin. "Do you like it?"

"Gosh, I am going to cry," Eunseok teased.

"What? No! No crying!" Jiwoo frowned, playfully squeezing his cheeks. "No, crying. Hmm?" She kissed him softly. "It's my first time preparing something like this, so I wasn't really sure if you'd like it, but you did say that you wanted to go camping, so I thought…"

"I'm very happy. I am already happy when you became mine, and I am happier that you keep reminding me of that every day," Eunseok expressed. "I worried that I might have made you feel lonely while I was busy."

She shook her head, reassuring him, "It's alright. You don't have to worry about me that much."

Later on, Eunseok lit up the grill, while Jiwoo, having changed into comfortable clothes, emerged from the tent wearing the same hoodie she had given him. Eunseok couldn't help but stare at her, inadvertently neglecting the blazing coals. She quickly splashed water on them and scolded him gently.

"You're going to get burned if you don't watch out," she warned, taking the tongs from his hand to cook a piece of marinated meat. Eunseok, standing behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist. She paused, straightened her back, and patted his arms.

"Can't you see? I am cooking."

"I know," he smiled. "Can't I just be extra affectionate today?"

"Eunseok, you are always extra affectionate," she chuckled. "Come on, I can't move," she frowned, still caressing his cheek.

"No," he playfully replied in a cute tone.

She sighed in defeat, allowing him to hug her as long as he wanted. Then Eunseok brought up a topic, "We've been together for quite long, and still, you call me oppa or just by my name…"

"Hmm? What about it?" Jiwoo hummed, sensing where this conversation was headed. "Your name is pretty," she said.

"I'd be happy if you call me in a cute way," he smiled.

"Oppa?" Jiwoo replied, but he immediately shook his head with a frown. "Hmm, I don't think I can call you names aside from that… you don't react that much when I call you 'love.'"

He pulled away and pouted, "You call Suyoung, Seunghan, and even Sohee that…" He said. "I'm your boyfriend."

Jiwoo was just teasing him, knowing he might pout like a child. Despite his prince-like demeanor at school, Eunseok was, in reality, one of the most childish guys she had ever met. "So what do you want me to call you?"

"Baby," he smiled mischievously, making Jiwoo crack a smile before dropping her head, feeling a tinge of embarrassment when he said it. "Come on, baby."

"No," she deadpanned and turned her back on him.

"Come on, that would be the highlight of today's event," he urged, eager to hear Jiwoo call him that. He had heard a lot of his exes call him 'baby,' but he never liked it or showed any reactions to it. It was only Jiwoo who brought out so many emotions in him.

"I said, no. It's embarrassing!" Jiwoo shot back.

"Okay, suit yourself. I'm just going to sulk…" He sighed and slowly turned his back on her, heading to the tent to playfully embrace the rejection.

"Fine," she huffed. "Not now… maybe later, I don't know." She shrugged before focusing on grilling. Eunseok smiled; even if she didn't want to, he'd be okay with it. He enjoyed teasing her a lot.

Their dinner was ready. Jiwoo finally got her own phone and showed Eunseok's name on her contact list. Seeing his name with a heart next to it made him happy. "But still, I want to hear that word," he said, handing her a glass of cola. "Thank you for this, Jiwoo," he expressed his gratitude.

"You are most welcome," she smiled and drank.

"I'm quite sad, honestly," Eunseok began to speak. "I graduated, and it also means that I won't be able to see you as much as I wanted to… I sometimes wish I'd stay for another year."

"That would be too much," Jiwoo said. "And I thought I was the only one who feels that way." She confessed. "I really don't want to feel that way because I know you'd be worried about me, so I'm here."

Eunseok watched her hold the glass with her tiny hands, gently taking it from her and holding her hand instead. "Have you heard of a myth about high school lovers?" He asked, sparking curiosity in Jiwoo's mind. "They say that high school couples tend to be soulmates."

Hearing that, Jiwoo couldn't help but laugh. "That's funny. And do you actually believe that?" she asked.

"I do, I want to believe it. I don't think our first encounter didn't mean anything…" He thought out loud. "Ever since then, I started to be curious and later on realized that I really like you… Now that I have you, I will never ever let you go."

"You know that I really don't like promises," Jiwoo said, "I don't really want to expect good things in the future because, to me, what's important is the present. And, I don't really see myself with anyone except you," she continued, hiding her face as she felt embarrassed by her sudden confession. Her eyes wandered around before turning to him, seeing him staring so fondly at her. Eunseok's eyes glistened, the warm lights inside the tent reflecting in his orbs, making him look dreamy, with his hair waving against the cold breeze. His hand remained holding hers, giving her warmth unconditionally.

"Let's get married when the time comes," he smiled, and even before Jiwoo could respond, he pulled her close and kissed her lips sweetly. She didn't pull away but instead cupped his cheek and returned the kiss with equal sweetness.

#riize #fanfiction #eunseok #seunghan #sohee #sungchan #anton #shotaro #wonbin #kpopfanfiction #beyondthebellschimes

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Beyond the Bell's Chimes | Part 56

The Summer Solstice Gala, a dazzling creation by the student council, unfolded as the grand spectacle for Segye High School's students and teachers, marking the peak of their cultural festival celebrations. Eunseok, fueled by a promise to his predecessor, had transformed Shotaro's blueprints into a breathtaking reality. The school's gymnasium was now a radiant setting, alive with the anticipation of an unforgettable night.

As the students and teachers flocked to the venue, draped in their finest attire, the air was charged with excitement. Among the crowd were three friends—Miyoung, Suyoung, and Jiwoo. They had gathered at Miyoung's place to glam up for the event, unaware that the boys would be fashionably late. Dressed to the nines, they chatted and snapped photos, each radiating her unique charm.

Miyoung, with her hydrangea tender floral maxi tied dress, Suyoung, the pink fanatic in a doll-like mini dress and stiletto heels, and Jiwoo, proudly donning a white lacy frock dress, had made an unforgettable entrance. Suyoung had skillfully applied makeup on Jiwoo, who couldn't help but express concern that she might have gone overboard.

Unexpectedly, Hanbin, one of their friends, approached with a surprise. "I thought I was going to meet new girls here," he teased, only to realize he was in the midst of familiar faces.

Panicking, Jiwoo turned to Suyoung, worried about her makeup. Hanbin chuckled, "I mean, miladies, you look all wonderful tonight."

Suyoung playfully warned him about Minseul's disapproving glares, but Hanbin, undeterred, continued his compliments. Minseul, overhearing, intervened and dragged Hanbin away, sparking a brief moment of worry among the girls.

As Suyoung reassured Jiwoo, the girls noticed the absence of the boys. Suyoung mused, "Hmm, the boys are taking too long. Did they wear something fancier?"

Jiwoo, weary from standing in heels, quietly made her way to the buffet table. Her worries about bloating, voiced by Suyoung and Miyoung earlier, had kept her from snacking. She picked out some blueberry cheesecake bites, savoring the sweetness as the excitement around her heightened.

Suddenly, screams erupted from the crowd, prompting Jiwoo to nearly choke on her food. Curiosity piqued, she observed the spectacle from a distance. The commotion unveiled the arrival of Segye High School's princes—the boys who led the Mars Club. Eunseok, at the forefront, led the group of dashing young men, each adorned in glamorous tuxedos.

Overhearing the surrounding conversations, Jiwoo couldn't help but smile. "Oh my god! This is a sight to see. I did not know Eunseok is friends with the Mars Club!" one girl exclaimed excitedly. "God, their girlfriends are so lucky!"

Jiwoo, still by the buffet table, marveled at the scene unfolding before her, a mix of surprise, admiration, and a touch of wonder for the magical night that awaited.

Jiwoo, finding herself the unwitting subject of gossip, couldn't help but be amused. Attempting to hide her face behind her plate full of cake, she tilted her head down and slipped away from the chattering crowd.

"Song Eunseok is always handsome!" sighed one girl.

"Oh my god! Park Wonbin is crazy handsome!" screamed another.

Jiwoo tried to distance herself, but her ears perked up as a group of girls started gossiping about a rumored love triangle at Segye High. Eavesdropping discreetly, she couldn't resist getting involved in the conversation.

"Hey! Did you hear the rumor? There's this girl in Segye High that they really like…" one girl began, prompting Jiwoo's curiosity.

"Yeah, the boys were crazily in love with her and were fighting for their lives!"

Jiwoo couldn't suppress a snort, finding the rumors rather hilarious. The girls, including Jiwoo, gasped as the gossip continued, detailing a supposed love saga involving Park Wonbin, Hong Seunghan, Song Eunseok, and Anton Lee.

Amused, Jiwoo tried to stifle her laughter, causing the girls to glance at her suspiciously. She decided to set the record straight with a burst of laughter, revealing her true identity.

"I heard she's an heiress. No wonder these boys were crazy—"

Jiwoo burst into laughter, surprising the girls. "Excuse me?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry. That was just hilarious to hear," Jiwoo said, recovering from her laughter. "As a matter of fact, I only dated Park Wonbin before I dated Song Eunseok… and Seunghan is my best friend, and then Anton… Anton's like my little brother."

The girls were left bewildered, and one recognized Jiwoo, gasping and informing her friend. They both gasped in shock, realizing they had been gossiping about Jiwoo herself.

"You?"

"Please, the rumors are funny. Don't let the boys hear these or else—"

Jiwoo stopped short as she noticed Seunghan and Wonbin walking behind the girls. She turned and saw Eunseok smiling sweetly at her, holding her waist.

The girls squealed at the sight of the King of Segye High School standing before them. "I was looking everywhere for you," he said.

"You're late," Jiwoo teased, trying to hide her surprise at Eunseok's stunning look for the night. She failed to recognize Eunseok's well-established background, evident in his gentlemanly manners.

"Did you come with the boys?" she asked.

Eunseok nodded, expressing his excitement. "You look beautiful," he said, making Jiwoo blush and playfully hitting his chest. "I saw you munching on some cakes. Are you hungry?"

Jiwoo nodded, still holding the plate. "We should find some tables," he suggested, taking the plate from her. Instead of leaving it, he added more snacks, eager for her to eat.

"Heol, they are really dating," the watching girls sighed in envy. "She's indeed very pretty."

"You girls are right, our Jiwoo is very pretty," Seunghan chimed in, making the girls blush. "She's our first love," he confessed. "Is that right, Wonbin?"

Wonbin, usually reserved, did not respond immediately, sipping his apple juice and keeping his eyes on Jiwoo and Eunseok. Eventually, he smiled and turned to Seunghan. "You're right, but I will forever be her first love," he proudly declared, leaving the girls swooning at the charming revelation.

Eunseok and Jiwoo stood together, drawing the attention of onlookers as whispers and conversations buzzed around them. The gymnasium pulsed with music, creating an energetic atmosphere where people reveled in the festivities—dancing, chatting, and immersing themselves in the vibrant ambiance. Eunseok's gaze wandered, particularly fixing on the stage where the classical band was supposed to be assembled.

Jiwoo, noticing his concern, took his hand. "Something wrong?" she inquired, prompting Eunseok to turn to her with a smile. "You look worried."

"Am I? It's just that the classical band should have been set already," Eunseok explained. "I am sure Sungchan's there to fix it."

Jiwoo, ever supportive, offered to wait. "Do you need to check? I can wait. I won't go anywhere," she reassured him with a chuckle.

Eunseok, however, was resolute. He squeezed her hand and shook his head. "No, I promised that I'll stay with you tonight."

"I don't see any reason why you can't leave me for a bit," Jiwoo suggested playfully. "Besides, I'll just be sitting there. My feet hurt." She pouted, and Eunseok, concerned for her comfort, checked her feet. Sighing, he decided to walk her to the bleachers, offering his jacket to cover her legs as she sat.

"Don't go anywhere," Eunseok instructed before heading backstage to address the issue. Jiwoo watched him leave, feeling a sudden emptiness despite the lively crowd surrounding her. Smoothing Eunseok's jacket on her lap, she couldn't shake the unexpected realization of missing him by her side.

As Jiwoo contemplated his absence, someone familiar from her past took a seat beside her. She looked up and met the gaze of a person whose presence evoked memories and stirred a mix of emotions.

"What's going on? The show should have started earlier," Eunseok questioned as he entered the backstage. Sungchan, in charge of the performance, explained that one of the violinists couldn't make it due to illness, leaving the rest of the members ready and waiting.

"I told Sungchan hyung that we can go on without that member," Anton chimed in, standing behind Miyoung. "It may sound incomplete, but it's going to be fine," he assured.

Eunseok nodded in agreement, turning to Sungchan and giving him a determined look. The urgency of the situation reflected in his eyes, especially knowing that his parents were in the audience, eagerly anticipating a stellar performance.

"You don't have to worry," Miyoung reassured him.

"It's okay," Eunseok replied. "Follow the program; I have to go back to Jiwoo." He made a move to leave when Wonbin grabbed his arm.

"Here," Wonbin said, handing Eunseok a box wrapped in an old newspaper adorned with a black ribbon. "It's for Jiwoo," he explained. Confusion crossed Eunseok's face, wondering why Wonbin was entrusting him with the gift instead of giving it directly to Jiwoo. Wonbin continued, "I wanted to dance with her tonight before I say goodbye again, but I think it won't be good for me. I'll be playing songs, just like what we prepared for this event, but I will be leaving as soon as I finish." Despite maintaining a smile, Wonbin couldn't hide the hurt in his words.

"Why don't you give it to her and tell her all of this?" Eunseok suggested, not seeing any issue with Wonbin and Jiwoo having a conversation.

Wonbin shook his head. "I already told her everything I wanted to say. In case you haven't heard, I still have feelings for her. It just so happens that I have bigger dreams out there," he sighed. "Whatever, please give that to her. Everything she needs to hear again will be there." Wonbin explained, his emotions surfacing. "Please, I know that you will love Jiwoo no matter what, so I am happy for the two of you, hyung."

Eunseok felt a weight lifted off his chest at Wonbin's words. Despite not always expressing it, he had felt a tinge of insecurity whenever Wonbin was around Jiwoo.

"Thank you for being there with her when she needed someone the most," Wonbin acknowledged. "Damn, I hate being expressive, but that's it," he sighed, visibly annoyed with his own emotions.

"Thank you," Eunseok smiled. "I'll take care of her. I will love her, protect her, and make her happy. That's all that matters." With Wonbin's message delivered, Eunseok headed back to Jiwoo, the box in hand, carrying both Wonbin's sentiments and his unwavering commitment to the woman he loved.

Jiwoo found herself outside the gymnasium, standing near the parking lot with a person who had taken a seat next to her in the bleachers. The air felt chilly, and the atmosphere seemed tense as people passing by couldn't help but glance at the duo. Jiwoo was quietly holding her hands, a mix of cold and anxious, but she concealed it well.

"I'm sure you did not expect me to show up here," Yeonjun stated. He wore an oversized black shirt, black cargo pants, and sneakers. His face was partly covered by a bucket hat, and long hair framed his features. Several piercings adorned his face. "Not even how I look now…"

"You are still Yeonjun," Jiwoo replied, sensing his unease.

Yeonjun sighed, smiling softly as he observed Jiwoo. "You are still as pretty as the last time I saw you, Jiwoo. I can tell that you made better friends this time…" He chuckled.

"I did," Jiwoo nodded.

"Hmm, I heard what happened to Taehee and the others," Yeonjun admitted. "When I received the letter about your case, everything came back to me. How much I was a jerk to you… for not being a good friend. I began to feel a lot of regret for not helping you that time… and Miri, who would have thought Miri would do that too?" He tried to downplay his role, attempting to convince himself he did less harm than Miri, but deep down, he acknowledged he was equally at fault. "I realized that I was worse than Taehee… for turning a blind eye on your pain, Jiwoo."

Jiwoo remained composed, listening silently to Yeonjun's remorseful words. Disappointment lingered from their past, but she gave him a chance to speak.

"When I received the letter, I immediately involved myself and told your lawyer about everything. I thought that even if I didn't show up, I still did something to help you… after all this time…" Yeonjun continued. "I thought that would be enough. I tried to visit you at the hospital, but then I saw people who cared so much about you. That's when I thought that I need not be there…" His voice cracked, and tears welled up as he struggled to contain his emotions. "I'm sorry, Jiwoo. I wasn't a good friend."

Meanwhile, Eunseok, growing worried after learning Jiwoo was seen leaving with a mysterious guy, rushed outside the gymnasium. Spotting Jiwoo standing next to a man, he observed them cautiously. Jiwoo maintained a wary distance but looked at the man as he spoke. Alarmed when the man reached for Jiwoo's arm, Eunseok intervened, ensuring Jiwoo's safety.

"Is he trying to hurt you?" Eunseok asked, holding Jiwoo's hand protectively. Jiwoo, surprised by his sudden appearance, pulled Eunseok behind her and explained the situation.

"No, he is not," Jiwoo assured him. "Eunseok, this is Bae Yeonjun…" She introduced him, and Yeonjun, understanding the dynamics, removed his hat, revealing his face. He dipped his head in acknowledgment as Jiwoo continued, "He's a friend from middle school, and Yeonjun, this is Eunseok, my boyfriend."

"Yeonjun?" Eunseok repeated, his gaze fixed on the figure in front of them.

"Yes, he just came here to talk. Nothing else," Jiwoo explained.

"I apologize for the misunderstanding," Yeonjun continued bowing. "I want to apologize properly to Jiwoo as it felt right for us to have closure before we separate ways again."

Eunseok maintained a cold stare at Yeonjun, his protective instincts kicking in. Jiwoo, sensing the tension, held Eunseok's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He turned to her, met with her sweet smile, and sighed in defeat. "I told you to wait where you were…"

"I couldn't hear him talk with all the music inside," Jiwoo replied. She then looked at Yeonjun, suggesting to Eunseok that he wait for her at the entrance where he could still see her.

"Thank you, Yeonjun. I appreciate it a lot that you came here all the way to apologize," Jiwoo expressed her gratitude, nodding her head. "I appreciate that you helped me a lot in dealing with my case. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been successful… And I am sorry for disturbing you too."

"No, you don't have to apologize for that," Yeonjun assured her, finding solace in Jiwoo's words. "I'm glad to hear that… and I should get going," he said, waving anxiously before departing.

Once Yeonjun left, Eunseok let out a sigh so audible that Jiwoo turned to him, amused. "What?"

"You are quite popular," he mumbled, his protective instincts still lingering.

Jiwoo laughed and tugged on his hand before hugging him on the side. "Are you jealous?"

"You'll make fun of me if I say no," Eunseok replied.

"I am not making fun of you," she teased, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Eunseok, let's go inside?" She suggested, attempting to lead their way back into the party, but Eunseok stopped her. "Hmm?" She asked, walking back to him and holding onto his arms.

"I don't think I can last a day without you by my side," Eunseok confessed, his cheeks turning red. It was a sentiment he had been waiting to share. Jiwoo had stirred various emotions within him, making him realize the mysterious and beautiful nature of the heart. She smiled at him, reaching to cup his cheek, and then pinched it playfully.

"You are being very romantic nowadays, Eunseok," she chuckled. Despite not responding in words, she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss on his cheek. "To us…"

#riize #fanfiction #eunseok #wonbin #sohee #shotaro #anton #sungchan #seunghan #kpopfanfiction #beyondthebellschime

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Author's Note:

Hi everyone!

I am happy to share that I have finally finished writing the final chapter of Beyond the Bell's Chimes. I finally got rid of the writer's block for this story. It took me time to rewrite some parts because I felt uneasy or unsatisfied with the outcome, but I realized that life is full of unexpected situations.

I hope you can give it more love this time and to the character I created. I will be uploading the remaining 5 chapters tomorrow after my exam.

Also, please do wait for my new story Chasing Cupid's Arrow. I will be uploading two chapters every Saturday evening.

To my dear followers/readers/future readers, I appreciate all of you. Thank you so much for keeping up with me. Please stay healthy and happy this year. Let's create more memories!

#bobbiwrites

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Beyond the Bell's Chimes | Part 55

It was just in time for the Segye High School Cultural Festival when Jiwoo returned to school. Their class had decided to showcase the Mars Club as one of the opening acts for the main event, while simultaneously organizing a horror room for their class booth. Thanks to Sohee's exceptional leadership as the class mayor, this year's festival preparations exceeded everyone's expectations.

Jiwoo, having been on temporary leave from school, was unable to participate in the preparations. Nevertheless, the school principal assigned her additional tasks to assist the student council, recognizing her as a valued member. Eunseok, ensuring she didn't overexert herself on her first day back after a long rest, took care of Jiwoo throughout.

Walking down the hallway with Sungchan, both carrying flyers for the upcoming main event, Jiwoo headed towards the faculty office.

"Good morning," she greeted the teachers, especially Mr. Park and Ms. Lee, who had been supportive during her challenging times. "We're here to give you invitations for tomorrow's event."

"Wow, a ball?" Ms. Lee remarked as she read the details.

"Yes, everyone has the freedom to dress elegantly tomorrow night. There will be drinks and snacks too," Jiwoo explained. "The student council must have quite a budget," teased Mr. Park. "Thanks, Jiwoo, Sungchan," he added, acknowledging their hard work.

Leaving the faculty room, Sungchan revealed something to Jiwoo. "Ji, actually, Miri visited me at work. I'm not sure if I should tell you, but she apologized."

"Really? It's okay, oppa. You can tell me," Jiwoo reassured him.

"Have you girls talked?" he asked, and Jiwoo nodded. She explained that they had a conversation after the trial, and Miri apologized to her. "So, does that mean you're friends again?"

Jiwoo gently shook her head, "I think I am satisfied with what we are now, oppa. Besides, I have greater friends now." She chuckled.

Sungchan smiled, pleased with her response. Returning to the student council office, Jiwoo cleared the desk from paper cutouts while Sungchan organized boxes in the storage room. "Jiwoo, I'm going back to my classroom for a while. Do you need anything?" he asked.

"I'm fine, thank you, oppa," Jiwoo replied, and Sungchan left after checking everything. Alone in the office, Jiwoo focused on organizing the disarrayed papers. In the process, she accidentally knocked over a box of paper clips hidden underneath. "Omo," she gasped, quickly picking up the scattered clips. As she did so, she noticed a slightly ajar drawer. Opening it, Jiwoo found a small framed photo of herself wearing glasses and with her long hair, taken about a year ago during an educational trip while holding a bowl of spicy tteokbokki. She smiled, realizing that Eunseok must have kept this cherished photo quietly.

"Jiwoo…" The door creaked as Eunseok walked in, a concerned look on his face, thinking she might have hurt herself.

She got up from the floor, presenting a big smile. "I'm good! I accidentally dropped the paperclips, so I was picking them up. Look what I found," she said, handing him the framed photo. "Is this yours?"

Without hesitation, Eunseok confirmed that it was indeed his. "Is it creepy?" he asked, but Jiwoo shook her head, smiling.

"It's cute. I look cute there." She chuckled.

Eunseok laughed softly and nodded. "You are. I took this and kept it this way," he explained, looking at her with affectionate eyes. Jiwoo couldn't hold back her laughter, deciding to cover his face. "What?" he asked.

"It's just that… the way you look at me…" She tried to stifle her chuckle, but Eunseok continued gazing at her with so much fondness that she chose to cover his face instead. "Stop looking at me like that!"

"Why? Why?" Eunseok teased, holding her hands. "Can't I just look at you? I came here to see you," he said, gently pulling her hands to wrap around his waist as he cupped her cheek. Jiwoo held her breath, finding it hard to take his approaches seriously. "Hey, Shim Jiwoo…" Eunseok sulked.

"Song Eunseok," she shot back. "You have to behave," pointing an authoritative finger at him, but they both burst into laughter. Eunseok pulled her into an embrace, cherishing the moment, as every minute spent with Jiwoo was like being on cloud nine.

"Aren't you busy?" she asked.

"Well, the ceremony has just finished, so Miyoung is taking over the rest of the tasks," Eunseok replied. "How about you?"

"I was cleaning this table when you came in. Mind if you lend me a hand?" she asked, and Eunseok willingly began helping her tidy up the place.

"Will you be here tomorrow?" Eunseok asked, making her stop. "I mean, for the ball…"

"Oh, yes," she smiled. "Why?"

Eunseok's smile widened as he nodded at her response. "Will you dance with me at the party?" he asked.

"What sort of question is that? Of course," Jiwoo chuckled, cupping his cheek.

"Maybe we can have dinner after the party too…" he added, and Jiwoo couldn't help but agree to all of his plans.

Jiwoo entered the music room after Suyoung informed her that the band would be there, only to find that it wasn't just the band. Hanbin and Minseul were also present.

"Jiwoo!" Hanbin was taken aback to see her. He was practicing on his keyboard when she walked in. Minseul stood beside him, watching him play. "I didn't know you were here. How have you been?"

"I am good. You're part of the band?" she asked, and just then, Wonbin and Seunghan approached, greeting Jiwoo.

"Ah, we didn't mention, but Hanbin's pretty talented in music too," Seunghan said. "After all, we are all friends. Right?"

"Definitely," Wonbin added, his gaze fixed on Jiwoo.

"It seems like someone couldn't take their eyes off someone," Minseul casually remarked, prompting Hanbin to pull her back to avoid making things awkward for Jiwoo and Wonbin.

"Anyway, will you be there tomorrow?" Wonbin asked.

"Hmm," she nodded. "I will. Why?"

Wonbin and Seunghan exchanged glances, smiling at each other, before putting their arms around Jiwoo. "I bet you're going to be very pretty."

Jiwoo frowned, side-eyeing each of them before stepping out from their hold. "I am always pretty," she huffed. But the two boys continued to look at her as if they hadn't dated her before. "What?"

"I wonder why I did like you," Seunghan teased, but Jiwoo immediately grabbed his shirt, about to choke him. When Wonbin spoke up, she glared at him.

"I told you. Stop teasing me about those feelings and past relationships. We made a deal," she stomped her feet.

"We know. Kinda stings," Wonbin mumbled, making Seunghan chuckle.

"We still love you, Ji," Seunghan made a heart shape with his hands, tapping Wonbin's shoulder to do the same, but Wonbin hesitated, not enjoying Jiwoo's glare.

"You should stop. You forgot that she's my ex, and she's… scary," Wonbin said, running away.

"What did you say? Park Wonbin!" Jiwoo yelled, about to chase after him, but Seunghan held her hand to stop her. "Hmm?"

"Do you mind if we dance tomorrow night?" Seunghan asked.

"Eh? Why do you have to ask?" Jiwoo chuckled, quite surprised. "Even if you don't ask me, I'd still dance with you, silly!" She said, holding his arm and giving it a tap. Seunghan smiled broadly and thanked her before going back to practice.

She watched Mars Club play their piece, and they were even better than last year with Hanbin added to the group. All the boys were amazing singers, and their harmonies moved Jiwoo to tears.

"Ji, what's wrong?" Suyoung asked, noticing Jiwoo's tears.

"It's beautiful. You guys are beautiful," Jiwoo answered, unable to control her emotions.

Wonbin sighed, setting aside his guitar to go and hug her, offering comfort after pulling her up. "Why are you such a crybaby?"

"I'm not. It's just that… I am really happy to see you guys play," Jiwoo said, pulling away as she spoke. "The fact that you're going to leave again saddens me."

Wonbin smiled, "Our friendship is stronger than this, remember?"

"Of course!" Jiwoo nodded.

Eunseok watched Jiwoo hanging out with her two best friends the entire day. Since he was busy dealing with president stuff, he couldn't even join her for lunch, but he knew that Jiwoo would want to spend time with him even more.

In the office, he sat reading the reports his treasurer submitted, signing each of them. The seemingly endless line of papers to sign made his hand tired from writing. Dropping his pen, he leaned back in his chair, gazing out the window as the sun began to set, trying to clear his thoughts. The sound of footsteps caught his attention, and he assumed it was Miyoung coming in to offer help.

"Miyoung, I told you that I don't need help signing the papers," Eunseok said, expecting his treasurer's presence. However, he was surprised to find Jiwoo standing in front of him, holding a box of donuts and drinks. Eunseok immediately got up and greeted her with a hug.

"Careful! I might drop these," Jiwoo teased, aware that she should have placed the food on the table before speaking. Eunseok chuckled, pulling away. "Signing papers again?"

"I'm almost done," Eunseok said as he pulled a chair for Jiwoo to sit before returning to his seat. "What brings you here? I thought you're hanging out with your friends."

"We did. We went to the horror room," Jiwoo smiled, handing him his drink. "But they have to practice more for tomorrow's event, so they have to go to Seunghan's place."

Eunseok smiled, "Did you enjoy?"

"Well, Wonbin screamed a lot inside the horror room," Jiwoo shared. "He was clinging on Seunghan the entire time."

"Aren't you scared?" Eunseok asked, and Jiwoo shook her head. "I don't get scared with horror stuff. You?" She smiled, cupping his cheek as she threw the question back at him. "Do you like gore, oppa?"

Eunseok's face flushed at the term of endearment. He couldn't hide his reaction, making Jiwoo laugh softly at him. "It's not that I am not scared, I just don't have good reactions to it."

"Eh? What is that supposed to mean?" Jiwoo asked. "Are you scared or not?"

"I'm not," Eunseok replied, laughing along with her.

Jiwoo didn't seem to believe it at first, but considering his usual low energy about everything, it made sense. "Fine. You should eat these donuts. I bought them from a class booth," she said, opening the box.

"Thank you," Eunseok smiled and went to pick a piece, but Jiwoo noticed his hand with blisters. She immediately grabbed his hand and checked it. "It's nothing."

"You've been writing for how long? This is not okay," Jiwoo frowned and went to get the medicine kit from the storage room. "I told you that you really have to ask for help from others." She sighed as she held his hand and took care of his blisters. Eunseok watched her mend his hand with a sweet smile, adoring the care she was providing. "You should really stop writing for now," Jiwoo told him after applying plasters around his fingers and palm, covering the blisters.

"Okay. I was actually thinking about it," Eunseok smiled and went to gather the files back into the box after labeling the unfinished ones. "I'll have Miy—" He stopped when Jiwoo fed him with a donut, stuffing his mouth with the sweet yet salty taste.

"No talking, just eat," Jiwoo frowned. Eunseok chuckled in defeat and began to eat while Jiwoo sipped on her drink, watching him. She then pulled out her handkerchief and wiped off the powdered sugar from the corner of his lips. "I wonder how your ex-girlfriends take care of you."

"Trust me, they don't," Eunseok immediately admitted, not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable about him answering. "I told you that asking about my past girlfriends will only make you uncomfortable, doesn't it?"

But Jiwoo only looked at him confused, her brows furrowed to the point that what he was saying seemed like nonsense.

"Jiwoo, don't you get jealous?" Eunseok asked.

"I don't," she shook her head sideways. He was about to be disappointed when she continued, "… why would I be? When I know that you like me very much?" She said with a big smile, her eyes sparkling as she giggled. Eunseok couldn't handle the cuteness, dropping his head to hide his happiness. Jiwoo then held his arm and shook it. "What is that reaction?" She whined and went to cup his cheeks to make him look at her with his flushed face. "You're embarrassed," she chuckled.

"Why would you even say that?" Eunseok denied but eventually accepted his defeat. "You are absolutely right."

"And, to give you assurance… I also like you very much!" She chuckled and pecked his cheek.

"Jiwoo, jokes aside, I want us to be together until we grow old," Eunseok finally spoke his heart as he held her hand that was cupping his cheek. Hearing these words made her heart pound a bit. She thought she didn't like those words before, but when he said it, she wanted it too. She looked at him and smiled.

"Me too, Eunseok," she smiled.

#riize #fanfiction #eunseok #seunghan #sohee #sungchan #anton #shotaro #kpopfanfiction #wonbin #beyondthebellschime #beyondthebellschimes

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Hi, I absolutely love your fic beyond the bell's chimes it gives me butterflies and I just wanted to thank you for writing such a great fic love yaaa <333 (btw can I be 🌼anon)

I am so happy to hear that. I am a bit anxious about the latest chapters but re-reading the chapters before uploading makes me giddy!

#🌼anon #beyondthebellschimes

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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nopee as in when you reply to the ask you tag #🎀anon on the post itself !! then when i’m or you’re on your page and click the tag, you can see all of the asks that i sent ☺️

— 🎀 anon

It's been so long since I replied to messages! I am so sorry. I finally got what you mean about the anon tags! Lol!

Belated Happy Holidays!

#🎀anon #beyondthebellschimes

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Can u please tell me whats thus controversy around seunghan..I'm back from dead after months and I'm not understanding anything??

Hi! I am not sure if I'm the right person to answer, but he went on an indefinite hiatus on November 22, after a series of 'scandals' he was in (he allegedly smoked and had a girlfriend). You can check some tags on Twitter if you can. All of the accusations are not a big deal at all that's why a lot of hongjanggus (SH stans) and OT7 stans are fighting for him since day 1 of his hiatus. This is the reason why I'm a bit slow in writing the updates because I got depressed after his hiatus. He's my ultimate bias in RIIZE.

#beyondthebellschimes

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Beyond the Bell's Chimes | Part 54

Jiwoo slowly opened her eyes, finding herself in her room. The passage of time felt elusive, as if she had been asleep for an eternity, and the reality before her seemed like a dream.

"How long has it been? A month?" she wondered aloud, gazing out of the window. The day was fine, the world beyond appearing calm and gentle, with a cool breeze wafting through. Her attention was drawn to the mood board adorned with photos of people, her friends. Intrigued, she got up and approached it.

The board was a tapestry of memories, capturing moments with the people she loved.

"Oh, you're awake," her mom entered the room, surprising her. "How are you feeling?" Her mom smiled, then noticed the photos Jiwoo held. "Remember them?"

Jiwoo nodded, "I missed them," she admitted.

"Well, of course, you miss them. It has been a month since you last saw them," her mom reminded her. Jiwoo and her parents had decided to relocate temporarily to their grandparents' hometown. Despite the move, Jiwoo still needed to keep up with her schoolwork to avoid falling behind in her studies. The doctor recommended a break from the city to facilitate her healing and a fresh start.

"Mom, how many more days do I have to wait before I can go back?" Jiwoo inquired.

"Well, supposedly you still have 5 days, but we have to meet your doctor again tomorrow and ask for her opinion about it," her mom replied. The anticipation of returning to her normal life filled Jiwoo with both eagerness and a touch of anxiety.

"I am glad you can finally go back to your usual life," Mrs. Shim enveloped her daughter in a warm embrace as they stepped out of the hospital. "I am so proud of you, Jiwoo. I am sorry if we helped later on."

"It's okay, Mom. I will always be thankful to you and Dad." Jiwoo smiled, coming to a stop when they reached their car. "Mom, can I go back to Seoul, later? Maybe, for a visit? I want to make sure if I am really okay."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Mrs. Shim asked, her concern evident.

Jiwoo shook her head sideways, "I think I can manage." The desire to return to Seoul, to reconnect with her familiar surroundings, tugged at Jiwoo's heart, a testament to her resilience and the strength she had gained through her journey.

She returned to Seoul on her own after informing her dad, who stayed at their house in the city. Dressed in her best attire and with a renewed spirit, she strolled through the familiar places she had once shared with her friends. By the time the clock struck 3 in the afternoon, Jiwoo found herself at her uncle's cafe. There, she spotted him working at the counter, and he, in turn, noticed her from his position. With a quick pace, he rushed outside to greet her.

"Jiwoo, my dear," Wooseok exclaimed, enveloping her in a warm hug. "How are you? Are you doing well? Is Noona with you?" Wooseok's concerns were etched on his face, prompting Jiwoo to chuckle.

"Uncle, I'm fine. I am just visiting with good news," she shared. "I am going back here in a few days," she squealed excitedly.

"I am glad to hear that, Jiwoo," he patted her head. "I've been so worried about you. A month is too long, to be honest. Your friends must be happy to hear about that." However, as he mentioned her friends, Jiwoo's expression changed. "What? You haven't told them?"

"Not yet. You're probably the first," Jiwoo admitted.

"Then, does that make me the second?" Jiwoo and Wooseok turned their heads to see Wonbin standing by the door, surprising the two with his unexpected presence.

Jiwoo cradled the cup of tea as if it were a delicate heart pulsating with warmth between her hands. Seated at a table with Wonbin in the cafe, Wonbin couldn't help but admire the serenity and tranquility radiating from Jiwoo's face. He recognized the signs of her improved well-being and silently wished for it to persist.

"So, how's my ex-girlfriend doing?" Wonbin teased, eliciting an eye roll from Jiwoo, followed by shared laughter. "Sorry, I know you hated that term."

"Well, I am your ex-girlfriend, but still your closest friend," she assured him. "You were my first love, Wonbin, and I will always treasure our memories and the time spent together."

"If only I didn't have to move—" Wonbin began, but Jiwoo swiftly cut him off.

"I was right. You are happier now that you're with your parents. Right?" She said, holding onto his hand. "I can tell just by seeing your face, Wonbin."

"Jiwoo, have I ever made you hold back from doing something before?" Wonbin asked sincerely. "Because, if there is, I want to tell you that I am happy and will always be happy for whatever choice you make."

"To be honest, it broke my heart when you had to leave," Jiwoo confessed. "You were the only person I could show my weakness to, but I learned that you had your own worries too," she recalled, thinking about the encounter with his mom. "I somehow felt small for a moment, but when you look at me, I feel like I'm the brightest… I spent my days trying to be myself, as if you're just around, but it tires me a lot. Is it silly that I depended on you a lot emotionally?"

Wonbin chuckled bitterly, "Here I am, thinking that I was the only one dependent on you…"

She shook her head and chuckled, "I guess that's what we felt back then. We needed each other… to the point that…"

"I still love you, Ji," Wonbin cut her off. "No matter what happens, I will love you from the bottom of my heart." He reached for her hand and held it. "You are my best friend."

Jiwoo cried and nodded, "Please don't forget about me," she pleaded. "You know that I wanted to talk to you from time to time, right?"

Wonbin nodded, "I will. You have to promise me too that you'll be happy." The two found closure with a warm hug, tears streaming down their faces. Unbeknownst to them, some of their friends had arrived, guided by Wooseok's information.

"Shim Jiwoo," Seunghan sobbed. Jiwoo turned around to see Seunghan standing with their friends, his eyes trying to hold back tears as he saw Jiwoo for the first time in a while.

"Hong Seunghan!" Jiwoo chirped and ran towards him, hugging him tightly. "Hiii…"

Seunghan froze in her embrace, taking a moment to realize that it was real. She was here. He hugged her tightly in response and cried. "I thought you were going to leave us!"

"Aigoo, she did tell us that she needed time," Suyoung sighed, but she stopped when Sohee held her hand and smiled at her. "Hmm?"

"I thought you were going to cry when you see her?" He asked, and it hit Suyoung that she began to deny that until Jiwoo held her hand, making her break into tears.

"Jiwoo! I hate you!!" Suyoung cried. "I missed you so much! It is so boring without you around!"

"Suyoung-i… I am so happy to see you too. I did not mean to see everyone today, but I am glad that you are all here." Jiwoo said as she began to hug everyone. She stopped when Anton was there too, trying to hold himself from crying. She cupped his cheeks and pinched them. "And why are you crying?"

"You're so pretty," Anton confessed.

"Aigoo, he's a cry baby!" Suyoung said, as she was the one who had been with Anton every time he gets sad missing Jiwoo.

"Have you been nice to everyone?" Jiwoo asked, to which Anton nodded quietly. She then asked everyone's opinion, and they all gave approval. "Well, then…" She tiptoed and gave Anton a soft kiss on his cheek as a reward for being nice, causing frustration from Seunghan, who had been nice since then.

Anton stood there stunned at the reward he received, and his face blushed almost instantly.

Then she noticed that someone was missing in the group. Seunghan noticed it and went to ask, "What is it, Jiwoo?"

"Hmm? Oh, nothing." She shook her head and smiled. "I just felt a bit tired from commuting." She chuckled. Sungchan then offered her a seat back, and the rest of the gang gathered around one huge table, ordering drinks and food. They began to talk about things that happened in school while Jiwoo was away, and they didn't notice that Eunseok arrived and saw them across the street. He clearly saw Jiwoo and Wonbin sitting next to each other, being so happy. His heart was filled with joy to see her so well, but at the same time, did she want to see him? Now that she is with her friends.

Eunseok had been longing for Jiwoo so much that he tried his best to live his life like usual, but he couldn't get her out of his mind. He thought if he saw her today, he would cry and tell her how much he missed her, but seeing her happy with her friends made him feel insignificant. He watched her from afar having her precious time with them and decided to just leave.

For weeks, Eunseok kept visiting her house and would often meet her father to ask for her status, in which her father had never deprived him of, but it wasn't enough.

With a heavy heart, he turned away from the cafe and decided to walk away from them. Maybe, it wasn't the right time, or maybe Jiwoo didn't want to see him yet. The sky must have felt his emotions and began to grumble above. He sighed, thinking it was an ominous sign that his want of seeing her or talking to her would be in vain. It didn't last long, and rain started to pour, catching him on the road without an umbrella to cover him.

"Wow, Song Eunseok… You've never been this dramatic," he told himself, scoffing at his ridiculous situation. Then he heard a faint voice calling his name, and he turned to see Jiwoo standing in front of him, panting. Her eyes glistened with tears, but her face said it all. She had that mesmerizing smile he loved every time she looked at him with adoration.

"Jiwoo.." Eunseok stammered, unsure what to tell her.

"Why didn't you go inside?" She asked him as she walked towards him. She stopped and looked into his eyes. "Song Eunseok.." She told him as she held the umbrella over his head, covering them from the pouring rain. He noticed that her shoulders were drenched, so he held the umbrella to cover her more, but she insisted and made sure that they were sheltered. "Why are you being like this?" She asked him.

"I don't know.." Eunseok said, tears gently streaming down his face as he looked at her. "You look so pretty," he smiled.

"Eunseok, I am asking you.." Jiwoo spoke again. "Why didn't you come inside? You saw us…"

"I did not want to break in. You look so happy," Eunseok answered her. Jiwoo bit her lips and cried in front of him. She then hit his chest, annoyed, and repeated it until Eunseok held her hand.

"Of course, I'm happy… but seeing you will make me happier. Just as I am now, despite your ridiculous rain moment that I don't know why you are acting like this," she shot back. "You annoy me so much. I missed you so much. I want to tell you so many things… like… like I am grateful that you were there for me, you respected my choices and most of all…" She bit her lips and looked into his eyes, unsure if she should say it. "Waited for me… didn't you? Because I would be so devastated if… if you began to like someone when I was not ar—"

Jiwoo was cut off when Eunseok cupped her cheek and leaned in to kiss her lips. She stood frozen and realized that Eunseok couldn't find any words to tell her; instead, he wanted to make her feel that his heart still longs for her and will always be longing for her. She slowly closed her eyes and kissed him back. Feeling her lips against his felt like a dream. Eunseok had been wanting to kiss her, but he couldn't do so, for he knew that something like this should always be special and memorable.

"I got worried over nothing," Eunseok spoke when he finally pulled away, cupping her cheeks still. "I got… insecure for a moment."

"You? Insecure?" Jiwoo blinked. "Since when?"

He chuckled, "Ever since I met you." He said pinching her cheek. "I'm happy that you're here." He said, his smile was the brightest at the moment. Jiwoo blushed and couldn't help but cup his cheeks and pinched it to her delight.

She nodded, "I am really glad to see you too, Eunseok. I kept wondering how you were while I was away; I couldn't even bring myself to give you a call because…"

"It's okay. You told me to wait, so I did." He nodded. "Whatever we had before, it is still the same but stronger."

"Minus the one you felt insecure earlier," Jiwoo commented, making him laugh. He was about to say something, but Jiwoo hugged him tightly, ignoring the fact that he was soaking wet.

"You'll get wet," Eunseok said.

"It's okay. I'll be fine," she said and continued to hug him.

#riize #fanfiction #eunseok #seunghan #sohee #sungchan #anton #shotaro #wonbin #kpopfanfiction #beyondthebellschimes

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bobbiworks · 3 months

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Beyond the Bell's Chimes | Part 53

Miri strolled toward the academy, the rhythmic tapping of her heels echoing in the evening air. Little did she know, a group of male students had been shadowing her for days, their presence unraveling like a clandestine dance. As the clock struck 7, she sought refuge in the convenience store, praying the staff could shield her from the unrelenting pursuit. To her surprise, Shotaro stood behind the counter, his eyes locking onto hers as if anticipating her arrival.

A flicker of anxiety crept into Miri's heart; he hadn't been there yesterday. The unsettling notion that they might have uncovered her secret actions began to quicken her pulse. Attempting to retreat, she found herself thwarted by a towering figure behind her.

"Long time no see," Sungchan remarked with a melancholy smile. Miri gasped, attempting to push past him and escape the store, only to be restrained by a firm grip on her hand. Suyoung guided her to a chair outside, a silent prelude to the confrontation unfolding.

"Do you remember us?" Suyoung inquired.

"No," Miri lied, though the truth lingered in the air. "What do you want from me?"

"We just want to talk, Miri," Shotaro said with a gentle tone. "About the video meant to harm Jiwoo. You knew about it, didn't you?"

Miri acknowledged the truth. They pursued her for the sins of others. It was Taehee and Yuri's machination to expose and shame Jiwoo, and while Miri was not an active participant, she harbored knowledge of their sinister plans. She sighed, resigning herself to the inevitable.

"Why? Is she indulging in drama again?" Miri retorted.

Shotaro's expression soured. "Miri, what happened to you? You were Jiwoo's steadfast companion, standing by her side when she faced bullying in middle school."

"I'm weary of her theatrics. If not for her, I could be in her position now. I could be your friend!" Miri exclaimed, met with a stinging slap from Suyoung.

"Annoying bitch," Suyoung spat. "Oppa, I don't have the patience to interrogate her. She's a lost cause."

"I'm sorry, Miri. We tried to help because we care, but you must confront this on your own now," Shotaro sighed, and gradually, they left her alone. Miri couldn't shake the feeling that they were merely issuing threats without cause. Jiwoo's parents, deeply entwined with her own family, wouldn't dare report her. In her heart, she clung to the belief that despite their severed friendship, they still cared for her like a daughter.

Amidst the escalating tension, her phone erupted with urgency, her father's call piercing through the evening air. As she answered, she was swiftly instructed to return home, an ominous directive that stirred a knot of apprehension within her. Upon her arrival, a chilling sight awaited her – a police car stationed outside her house.

"Dad, what's wrong?" she questioned, her voice tinged with worry.

The moment her father laid eyes on her, a wave of anger engulfed him. "What did you do this time, Miri?!" he growled with a ferocity that cut through the air. The cold hands of justice clasped onto her, the policemen revealing the grim charge – she was under arrest for bullying and harassment against Shim Jiwoo.

"Dad, wait… Dad, what's going on?!" Panic seized her, and her desperate pleas echoed, shattering the quietude of their neighborhood, drawing curious glances from onlookers. The air became thick with the weight of the allegations, and Miri's world spiraled into disarray as the truth unfurled before her.

In the luxurious confines of a hotel room, Yuri and Taehee reveled in their triumphant celebration, toasting to the success of their tormenting endeavors against Shim Jiwoo. Yuri's elation soared as she relished the news of Jiwoo's hospitalization and public humiliation. The satisfaction of tormenting Eunseok added another layer of joy to the evening. Their camaraderie seemed unbreakable, a stark contrast to Taehee's friends who found the malicious actions too extreme for someone who hadn't wronged them.

"Why aren't you celebrating?" Taehee questioned her friends, prompting them to reluctantly join in the cheers. "Ha, I wish I could see how miserable she is right now. I hate that girl so much!" she muttered with disdain.

"If my ex-boyfriend sees that video, he would probably be so disgusted and realize that he will never be at peace unless he gets back to me," Yuri chuckled. The celebration continued, with drinks and food overshadowing the incessant calls on their phones.

Amidst the revelry, Taehee's attention was drawn to a message urging them to tune in to the TV news. Excitement turned to bewilderment as they witnessed the unfolding scandal of Yuri's parents' illegal activities and the bullying accusations against them. The joyous atmosphere shattered, and Taehee, in shock, fumbled with her phone, attempting to reach Miri, only to find her out of reach. "Shit!"

"Hwang Yuri, what is going on?" Taehee demanded, frustration and fear etched across her face. "I thought you did this quietly?" The news they were witnessing far exceeded their expectations. To compound matters, the extended version of the video, revealing their faces, intensified their predicament.

"Let's get out of…" Yuri began to suggest an escape when her father stormed into the room, delivering a resounding slap across her face.

"You… I told you not to do anything stupid! Look what you've done!" Mr. Hwang's rage erupted as he seized Yuri's hair, casting her to the floor. "I will make sure you will rot in hell!" he spat with disdain before storming out. In the wake of his departure, a group of police officers barged in, promptly arresting the girls and escorting them to the police station. The fleeting celebration gave way to the harsh reality of impending consequences.

In the stark confines of the police station, the girls found themselves confined to a single cell temporarily. An hour passed, and their parents arrived, fervently pleading for their daughters' release. However, Miri stood apart, bearing witness to the anger in the eyes of Yuri and Taehee's parents, a manifestation of their profound disappointment in their daughters' actions and the repercussions on others' lives.

"Why are you crying!? Don't be such a wimp!" Yuri snapped, wielding a shoe threateningly at Yijin.

"Taehee, aren't you scared that you'll be locked up here?" Yijin asked, seated in the corner.

"We both wanted it! That damn girl deserved to be treated like shit," Yuri scoffed, daring to light a cigarette inside the cell, only to be swiftly stopped by a policewoman who reprimanded her with a sharp blow to the head.

Into the tumult walked a man in a gray suit, recognized by Yuri as her first cousin. She assumed he was there to help, a belief shattered when he spoke.

"Oppa, I knew you'd come help me!" Yuri declared proudly, anticipating her imminent release.

"Hi, Yuri," her cousin Minhyun greeted her politely. "I'm afraid you have to get your own lawyer for this. I came here for my client instead," he continued.

"Who's your client? Is that client more important than I do? Oppa!" Yuri snapped, but her cousin remained unperturbed, offering a small smile.

"I am here to assist Ms. Shim Jiwoo and her family in pressing charges against this group for bullying and harassment," he announced, sending shockwaves through the cell.

"No way! Is she being serious?!" Taehee scoffed, her earlier bravado giving way to fear. "She didn't have that much money; her family was never rich to begin with—"

"I was hired by Mrs. Song Gaeun," Minhyun added. The mere mention of the name left Yuri stunned. She couldn't fathom that Eunseok had gone to such lengths, involving his mother, just to seek justice for Jiwoo – someone Yuri had never even met during their relationship. The realization of the gravity of their actions began to sink in.

In the quiet confines of her hospital room, Jiwoo, nursing both her physical and emotional wounds, gazed out of the window, finding solace in the scenery. Despite her fragile state, she had mastered the art of concealing her pain. Her parents had just left after reassuring her of their unwavering support and love. Touched by their sincerity, Jiwoo couldn't help but tear up quietly, overwhelmed by gratitude for everything they were doing for her. She silently apologized for not letting them in on her struggles.

A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and expecting Eunseok, who had promised to stay with her for the night, Jiwoo was taken aback to find Wonbin standing at the doorway, holding a bouquet of flowers.

"Wonbin," she spoke, her anxiety dissipating as he embraced her tightly. She apologized for missing Seunghan's welcoming party, but Wonbin reassured her that it had been canceled to await her recovery. Having just arrived from the airport, he had heard about the incident and expressed concern for her well-being.

Smiling, Jiwoo admitted to feeling a bit better but acknowledged the ongoing therapy ahead. Wonbin, gently fixing her hair, complimented her resilience and admitted missing her. Jiwoo, in turn, noticed a change in him, remarking on his enhanced handsomeness. Playfully, she asked if he was staying for good.

Wonbin simply smiled, holding her hand. "Let's not talk about it for now. Hmm? Do you need something?"

Pausing, Jiwoo smiled back, "I need to tell you something," she said.

Meanwhile, Eunseok observed their interaction from the shadows, a heavy feeling settling in his chest. Jiwoo's radiant smile in Wonbin's presence couldn't escape his notice – a poignant reminder of the indelible mark of a first love.

Seeking solace, Eunseok retreated home, taking a moment to gather himself. At the family breakfast table, his mother inquired about Jiwoo's case.

"The people involved are currently under custody," Eunseok informed her.

"I don't mind dealing with these things, Eunseok. I just want to make sure that this girl… Shim Jiwoo? Is she worth it?" His mother asked, probing to understand his motives. "You can get involved, knowing your ex's motive is you."

"I will not deny my lapses, but what I can't tolerate is bullying. I can't turn a blind eye to this, Mom," Eunseok asserted. "And for Jiwoo, it took me a year to understand how I feel about her. She makes me happy just by looking at me."

His mother, curious but supportive, expressed the desire to meet Jiwoo once everything settled down. Eunseok nodded, understanding the complexities that lay ahead.

In the quiet confines of the room, Jiwoo sat with her mom, undergoing a session with the doctor to assess her mental condition for potential discharge. As the doctor delved into questions about her past experiences, the weight of memories resurfaced, causing Jiwoo to break down in tears. The pain, too familiar, became overwhelming, and she struggled to articulate her thoughts.

"Ms. Jiwoo, how do you feel about your friends?" the doctor inquired, his gaze filled with empathy.

"I love them, all of them… I care so much about them, but I couldn't help but wonder if they really see me as someone bright or a burden. So, I tried my best to smile most of the time, and I feel guilty if I show them other emotions. I am straightforward with a lot of things, and I want to fix problems right away, but… I tend to bury my own problems…" Jiwoo shared, her voice strained as she tried to convey the heavy emotions within her.

"You know that your friends care about you… a lot. You know that, right?" the doctor reassured, to which Jiwoo nodded. "You care about others a lot, but you forget to care about yourself. You are melting inside, Ms. Jiwoo. I need you to take care of yourself for now. The other things that hurt you, you don't have to think about them. We will deal with them once you are stronger here," he added, pointing to Jiwoo's heart.

Returning to her room, Jiwoo found Eunseok waiting for her, his bright smile momentarily lifting her spirits. However, as she approached him, tears welled up in her eyes. "Oppa," she called out.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Eunseok asked, concern etched across his face. Gently guiding her to sit on the bed, he tenderly fixed her hair. Seeing her cry tugged at his heartstrings, revealing the pain she had concealed from them.

"I am embarrassed," Jiwoo confessed. "No, I am ashamed of myself," she corrected herself.

"What makes you feel that way?" Eunseok inquired, holding her hand. Jiwoo took a deep breath, turning to him with apologetic eyes. "Jiwoo…"

"I assumed a lot of things about you just to justify myself. I always thought I am a burden to all of you. Ever since the beginning, I wanted to be by myself because it was better for me not to be involved with anyone and to avoid conflict. But you guys happened… and I was not wrong. Conflict happened, things happened… I hurt all of you. I—" she paused, her voice choked with emotion.

Amidst the emotional turmoil in the room, Jiwoo was taken aback to find her friends gathered on the side. Suyoung, holding a bouquet of flowers, sobbed openly after hearing Jiwoo's heartfelt confession. "You were never a burden, Shim Jiwoo!" she declared. "I hated you at first because I thought you were pretentious, but no. I was wrong! After I got to know you better, I began to like you for you. We became friends because… because…"

"Suyoung…" Jiwoo's tears flowed as she approached her emotional friend.

"You were never a burden to us, Ji. In fact, you're the kind of person we wanted to protect because you are too precious. We want you to know that you give us peace of mind… and warmth," Seunghan spoke from the heart.

"Remember when you had to kick your ex-best friend's butt," Sungchan mumbled. "You are strong, so be confident."

"You made me feel like I was part of the group from the beginning, and you never made any of us feel left out," Sohee added. "I hope that you stop thinking of yourself as different from us because, if we can tell everything, you helped us with more than you imagine."

Overwhelmed with happiness, gratitude, and a tinge of regret for her earlier thoughts, Jiwoo listened intently to her friends.

"We want you to focus on yourself getting stronger," Miyoung said, urging Jiwoo to prioritize her well-being. "So, let us fight for you, okay? You don't deserve this pain those people caused you. Your family and friends love you," she added.

"Most importantly, you are an incredible friend," Wonbin declared as he stepped forward from the crowd. "I wish that you can be comfortable showing when you're down or in pain to us. You can freely come to us when you are having a hard time. If you let me tell you how I feel, I want to say I love you, Jiwoo."

Jiwoo nodded, overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, and embraced each of her friends. "Thank you, everyone! I promise, I'll come back stronger and healthier," she cried. "I'm sorry if I ever thought of these things, but I am very thankful for everyone. I am happy that you became my friends. I want to treasure all of you my entire life. No, I treasure you all even now and forever." The room resonated with the warmth of friendship and the promise of a brighter future.

A few days later, the friends gathered at the cafe where Sohee worked. Even Anton, who had reconciled with everyone, was present, having grown particularly close to Shotaro. The cafe buzzed with the warmth of friendship, a testament to the healing that had taken place.

"Are they really going to be in jail?" Suyoung inquired, her curiosity piqued. Eunseok, having just returned from the trial in Jiwoo's case, took a deep breath before responding. Jiwoo had chosen to face the legal proceedings alone, with Eunseok as her sole companion. She wanted to prevent a repeat of the traumatic experience she had endured and, perhaps, serve as a warning to others and a source of motivation for those who had faced similar struggles. Jiwoo, now armed with resilience and a determination to fight back, refused to let Yuri and Taehee escape the consequences of their actions. The verdict had sentenced them to expulsion from their schools and placement in juvenile detention. Enablers faced a similar fate but with a shorter duration and the termination of their current school standing.

"They should be thankful that no one died because of their bullying," Suyoung sighed. "I hope that things will go accordingly to what this world plans for Jiwoo and for them too."

"Eunseok," everyone turned their attention to Wonbin, seated across the table. "How's Jiwoo?" he inquired, knowing that Jiwoo had requested to reject all visitors except for her family as she underwent therapy in another hospital. "Did she call you?" he added, aware that Eunseok was the last person to speak to Jiwoo.

Eunseok hesitated before shaking his head. "No, she didn't say a thing," he replied. Even without words, the pain Eunseok carried was palpable, evident to everyone in her absence.

"Say," Sohee interrupted, appearing with a tray of freshly baked banana muffins. "Why don't we cheer up and celebrate a bit for Jiwoo's success?" he suggested. "Our Jiwoo wouldn't want us to worry too much about her, would we?"

"You're right. Even if Jiwoo and I aren't that close, I still like her," Sungchan admitted, grabbing a muffin.

"You could have kept quiet," Miyoung playfully chided.

"Excuse me," Eunseok quietly spoke, rising from his seat and heading outside to catch a breath of fresh air. Unbeknownst to him, Wonbin followed, finding Eunseok alone on a concrete bench in the side street. Eunseok stared at the blue sky, lost in a maze of thoughts. Only when Wonbin sat beside him did he become aware of his friend's presence.

"Seems like you are more troubled to know that she didn't want to be seen," Wonbin remarked, initiating a conversation with Eunseok for the first time. The unspoken rivalry between them, rooted in their shared connection with Jiwoo, had undergone a transformation, prompting them to confront their feelings and grow beyond their initial animosity.

"Why are you back?" Eunseok inquired, his confidence visibly shaken by Wonbin's presence. He couldn't deny that Wonbin held a special place in Jiwoo's heart, a spot seemingly instantly granted, while Eunseok had to work diligently to earn his own place.

"I haven't told anyone, but I am not staying here," Wonbin revealed. "I came back just to tell everyone that I began to live happily with my parents there and that I can reach for the stars. Especially, I came back for Jiwoo, to tell her that I am alright," he explained, offering a warm smile.

"Do… Do you still love her?" Eunseok asked, unable to conceal the underlying concern in his voice.

"I would be lying if I said no," Wonbin admitted. "I love her still, but I don't think I can be the man she really needs," he sighed.

Eunseok wasn't satisfied with the answer. He felt as though Wonbin was downplaying Jiwoo's feelings. "Didn't you know how much she suffered waiting for you? At least even a hello? A letter?"

Wonbin gave him a stern look, "Hey, I don't need another person to scold me. Seunghan was enough," he snapped. "Besides, Jiwoo isn't the type to drag someone with her when she is down. She's the type to keep things on her own until she is better. I only got to learn that secret of hers not long before we broke up."

Eunseok nodded, but the weight of his thoughts remained. "I grew up being consistent and in complete control of everything in my life, but this is the very first time a person… she is so small that I want to keep her by my side the entire time, shake my world so bad… and my heart just keeps hurting if I don't see her. What's worse, if she chose not to see us for a while… will she be able to have the same feelings she did for me before this? To be honest, I am scared of losing her."

"Well, she did tell me that she is sorry to you," Wonbin sighed. "Jiwoo's sorry that you had to deal with the people who hurt her alone. She told me she wants to be better and stronger so that she can protect you too."

"What do you mean?" Eunseok asked, sensing that there was more to the story.

"Even before I told her that I am not staying, she told me everything about you," Wonbin revealed. "Made me jealous, but I knew she meant all of it. She's happy to be with you, Eunseok. She said you make her the happiest when you are with her."

#riize #fanfiction #eunseok #seunghan #sohee #sungchan #anton #shotaro #wonbin #kpopfanfiction #beyondthebellschime #beyondthebellschimes

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