They were driving for fifty-five minutes until they stopped under the bridge to park the van. They soon got out and scurried over to the edges of the waters, analyzing their surroundings. A pile of garbage was polluted on the rocks, leading them to question.
“Who would do such a barbaric thing? Look at this place, it’s been trashed,” Jin said, grimacing at the foul smell that was scorching up to his nose.
“And vandalized,” Taehyung mentioned, scrutinizing the column walls.
“Do you think she was here?” Jungkook queried.
“I guess so,” Hoseok assumed.
“If she was, then does that mean she knows where she was going to?” Yoongi conjectured.
“We don’t know for sure,” Namjoon said.
“Hold on…” Bryan muttered when he was checking the notification on his phone. Once he opened it, he tapped to play the video, whereas the rest of the members huddled closely to watch.
“Breaking News. A missing woman is now officially confirmed dead in the gun shooting and car collisions at the Gangbyeon Expressway. Just yesterday, the police officers have identified a couple of victims with serious life-threatening injuries. Only two survivors remained unharmed,” the reporter lady stated during the broadcast live, much to their confusion.
…
…
…
…
The sun was scintillating through the glass windows where all the equipment and stainless tools were displayed.
The guys came rushing into the hospital at a fast pace, then headed down the hallways and saw the medical workers, conferring in the middle.
Bryan approached them, asking in a deep worry. “Where is she?”
The pathologist, the doctor, and the medical examiner gave each other a quick, forlorn glance until one of them stepped up reluctantly.
“There were five bullets shot to her stomach and chest. No drugs or alcohol drinks are found in the system, other than her anxiety and panic disorder. She had a 35% chance of surviving the wounds-” The medical examiner explained the report on his checklist board, but got interrupted.
“Is she there?” Jimin pointed his finger firmly.
The medical examiner motioned his hand forward and replied. “Yes... Please, follow me...”
Jimin nodded curtly as he and the others proceeded on their way to the autopsy room. They halted where they noticed a white sheet covering the table.
They started to become pale as soon as Bryan moved to the front and slowly unveiled her entire face. The purple bruises had scarred her eyelids and bottom lip had been cut, including the two bullet holes that seemed to be visible.
…
“You know, I wasn’t lying when I told you about it,” Valerie said when they sat down in the soccer bleachers.
“Hm? What do you mean?” Bryan raised his eyebrows blankly.
“You’ve asked me and I answered you,” She giggled.
“No, you didn’t. When?” Bryan asked, cluelessly.
“While we were travelling on the airplane,” Valerie snorted.
“Ah… Your goal,” Bryan realized quickly with a nod and peered at her in sideways. “Let me guess. It’s about your career, isn’t it?”
“Probably,” She serenely set her gaze on the families walking in the park and continued on softly. “It’s nice that you have other people who are closest to you.”
“Of course. They are important to me and those guys are my best friends. What about you? Don’t you have a best friend as well?” Bryan questioned confusedly.
“I do, but they end up becoming seasonal,” Valerie answered.
He looked at her in shock and frowned, saying. “Oh… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“That’s okay. You wanted to know anyway. It’s no big deal,” she chuckled nonchalantly.
Bryan was staring at her and said. “We can be best friends.”
“Huh? I’m fine being by myself. You don’t have to-” She blinked and tried to hide her awkwardness.
“I consider you as one now. Don’t turn down my offer,” Bryan insisted, much to Valerie’s startlement.
She paused for a few seconds until he smiled at her in warmth.
“Friends?”
Valerie’s eyes lit up merrily and nodded back shyly. “Friends…”
…
…
…
…
All of a sudden, Bryan’s breathing started to become haggard and couldn’t believe what he was seeing. There, the lifeless corpse of his friend was lying right in front of him. He leaned in closer and cupped her cheeks gently that had now been filled with every drop of his tears coming from his eyes.
…
…
“You’re always dedicated to your work. Any H and D?” Bryan asked.
“Yes, I have different hairstyles and drinks that I usually go for,” Valerie grinned.
“Not those… I’m talking about your hopes and dreams,” Bryan specified.
Valerie looked at him in puzzlement, then slightly replied. “Umm… I do, but I’m not so sure.”
“Why?”
“It’s too unattainable. All I see are clouds that are hazy,” she stated as she viewed the displayed painting on the wall.
“Don’t you want to clear them up?”
“No. I prefer to stay this way… And there’s nothing I would do to transfigure the things that I should be grateful for and that is something I’m willing to concede,” she explained in a subtle tone, whereas Bryan was keen to listen further. “Hereafter, life would’ve been more beautiful than ever if we all took a leap, but that can only happen once I find it…”
“I can help you and I will not leave you by your side,” he said.
“Thanks. I guess you’re not that oblivious guy that I’m seeing right now,” Valerie noted.
“Hah. What do you think of me, then?” Bryan urged on.
“A friend that anyone can trust on because I know you are a good person,” she answered simply with a delicate smile.
…
…
“Don’t forget that…”
…
…
And gradually, the room became a full, loud cry that echoed through the walls. Bryan’s hands were gripping the cloth tightly and sobbed.
Taehyung began to grieve, whereas Yoongi and Namjoon were comforting him on the back.
Hoseok looked away and cried solemnly after swallowing a hard lump on his throat.
Jungkook curled his fists and was breathing massively. He punched the wall that caused his knuckles to bleed, though he didn’t care about it.
Jin was frozen as he let his own tears swelling up in his eyes.
All of them weren’t able to move due to the loss of their words .
"I'm truly sorry, gentlemen. We tried our best to revive her in any way we could. Unfortunately, her heart wasn’t strong enough to make it…” The medical examiner uttered softly. He removed his glasses off with his eyes closed and lowered his head down in contrite.
Jimin, on the contraire, literally shoved the door and walked out, which his friends took heed of.
“Where is he going?” Hoseok peered.
“Chim… Chim!” Jin called him repeatedly, but gave up with a sigh of distress.
A couple of minutes later, the cars and other vehicles were crossing the Hangang bridge and Jimin decided to go back to the river where he was constantly throwing the pebbles off to the water.
He slumped down on the ground and breathed heavily, still in disbelief for what he had discovered.
He then screamed out of anguish and grief that was filling up inside him. His knees dropped down as his face turned red with his hands clutching the strands of his hair seethingly.
…
…
The people were dancing and drinking at the South-side Parlor bar as Jimin examined them after entering the door. He greeted the bartenders and the cashier with a casual bow.
“Sup, Mr. Park?” The guy said while he was drying the glasses with the towel.
“Oh, please. No formal casualties,” he noted.
“Right. Jimin, you can have a seat,” the guy said and lent him the menu, asking. “What would you like?”
“Omija Ginger Beer,” Jimin answered.
“As always,” the guy smirked coolly, then he noticed a perturbing look on his face. “Is everything alright with you? Trouble at work?”
“All the time. My co-workers have been barking at each other non-stop about this next project and everyday is a hassle,” Jimin explained in exasperation.
“I feel you. I’ve also talked to my group about which matching colors will go for our school banner,” the guy uttered as he was pouring the liquid contents on the glass and forwarding it to him.
Until then, a sharp voice was shouting at the drunken man, who seemed to be perverse towards her. She kept shoving his arm away and she smelled his alcoholic breath from his stenched mouth. She elbowed him on the stomach, but he didn’t budge as he kept leaning onto her neck and kissing her. Though, he ignored her when he was physically touching her inappropriately.
Before his hand reached up to her upper thigh, his arm was twisted over after he felt a strong grip on his right shoulder. He glanced at the blonde-haired guy in startlement, who is none other than the business CEO of Fairview Park Corporations.
"What the fuck?! You're Jimin!" The man gawks in bewilderment and tries to break free from his firm grasp.
"I believe Valerie refused to go with you," Jimin said carefully as his eyes narrowed sharply at him.
"Hah. So you know this little gorgeous? What if I don't want to? Hmm. You can't scare me, Mr. Park," the man huffed out derisively and continued on, tauntingly. "Don't forget that she was the one who wanted to throw herself away."
Suddenly, a loud smack of punch was made towards his face, and groaned sorely as he clutched on his abdomen, becoming frightened at his presence.
"Haven't you learned to respect other women at all? A guy like you has no decency whatsoever. Surely, any assault or harassment can lead you to jail if you ever attempted to. I guess you don't have the balls to man up and take dating seriously. This is your way of pursuing a woman? You're humiliating yourself. If you ever show up here again, trust me... I won't hold back," Jimin warned in a hiss, sending death daggers in his direction and squeezing his arm tightly.
The man begged desperately and panicked. "Okay! Okay! I'm sorry! I won't do it. I promise!"
"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to her," Jimin demanded.
The man glanced at her and bowed down remorsefully with a murmur. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," she looked at him observantly and blinked a few times.
The black-haired man quickly scrammed off and was let go of Jimin's grasp before he disappeared out of their sight.
On the other hand, Valerie's vision was turning into a slight, blurry haze once she stumbled off the stool. She was then luckily caught in between his arms when the two of them began to stare intensely at each other’s eyes. He couldn't help but wander through her brown pupils.
Jimin's mouth agape for a moment and asks. "You alright?"
"Yeah..." Valerie hiccupped and giggled lightly. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Jimin nodded.
…
…
The cool air was breezy during the night as the two were strolling together right after Valerie regained her full consciousness.
"What are you doing back there in the bar?" She questioned softly, where her hands were tucked inside the pockets of her sweater.
"I happen to stop by and have a drink. Everyone loves that place," Jimin said while he was staring at her sideways.
"Ah. I see," Valerie muttered.
"I could ask you the same thing," Jimin pointed out curiously.
"Just trying to unwind. Plus, there's no point in telling you everything because you wouldn't as well," Valerie laughed dryly and looked away to admire the lights. "I need to go home now. I'm exhausted the whole day."
As she was about to march off, Jimin grabbed her wrist and pulled her to turn her attention on him.
"Wait. Look, I know I was a little harsh on you before, but I'm able to help you this time," he said, breathing heavily. His face was starting to get pale and continued on. “That night during the New Year’s Eve Party, I can tell you more about it… Please…”
Valerie glistened her eyes back and forth at him in speculation and wonder. By pressing her lips in a thin line, she nodded silently in response.
…
…
The evening was very calming for most tourists going around the hotspot areas in Jeju Island. Some of the new ones were driving in a slight confusion, whereas the others were renting bikes and scooters that are super easy to use. Locals are friendly and will help people if they are in need. Although, restaurants can be unclean at times and would need customers to look after their mess.
The rest of the squad settled down by the beach, while the couple, Jimin and Chia, were whispering sweet words into their ears. She giggled flirtatiously as she nuzzled her head against his chest, whereas Jungkook excuses himself to his friends to go to the washroom. Jin, on the other hand, finished his acoustic performance of “Night Changes” by One Direction with them giving him applause and cheers.
"Thank you, thank you," he bowed his head down and tapped his guitar lightly to continue on, saying. "The next one is the song that I composed back then, so let’s enjoy this, ‘Tonight.’” He cleared his throat and scratched under his nose before he played the first few chords.
Verse 1: "If this night is over, I will be scared that I can not see you..."
Valerie sighed and excused herself to Sally and Ava, who gave her a curt nod before they turned their attention again to Jin.
Bryan was alarmed and asked her monotonously. "Val! Where are you going?"
Valerie paused for a moment blankly and stifled a chuckle, pointing her thumb at the direction behind her. "I'm going to take a walk..."
"I see. Do you need company?" Bryan asked.
Valerie blinked a few times and shook her head with a grin. "No. I'm good. You guys can hang around here."
"What?! You're missing out on Jin's song," Hoseok pouted sadly.
"Yeah. It's going to get dark out there," Namjoon pointed out, furrowing his eyebrows.
"Don't worry. I have a flashlight and my phone with me. I'll remind you where I am," Valerie pressed her lips firmly and smiled.
"Okay, Val. Be careful!" Ava advised loudly.
"I will," Valerie replied clearly over her shoulder and faced her back on them.
Jimin gave a small smile towards his girlfriend, who was falling asleep in his arms until he faltered when he kept his subtle gaze at Valerie walking away from them. He began to ruminate on what his friends were uttering to her and it almost seems that he also wants to respond. However, he couldn’t because it would startle them and only melancholy he could ever feel at a distance. His curled fist says it all.
…
…
She turned to the corner just a few blocks away and followed the location. There, her eyes lit up in ardor as she walked into the Spirited Garden. Her lips slowly formed into a smile brightly when she saw yellow golden butterflies flying in the areas of the bushes, canola and cherry blossom flowers. She gasped in awe and started to take selfies as much as she could.
"They're so beautiful..." Valerie murmured softly, not taking her eyes off of the scenery.
Jimin was observing her intently and smiled amusingly at the total admiration she has towards the small creatures. He called out from behind, which surprised her. "Quite interesting, eh?"
Valerie turned around slowly to see the figure and questioned in confusion. "Jimin... What are you doing here?"
"I should ask you the same thing, but it looks like you've already given an answer from the way you've suddenly walked out," Jimin said surprisingly as he shoved his hands inside the pocket of his shorts.
Valerie gave him a blank expression and replied back simply. "I just came here to visit this place. You?"
"Ah... Well, I decided to check as well," Jimin answered.
"You've been here?" Valerie peered in.
"About a couple of times. Yes. By the way, Hoseok and Yoongi started to get drunk while playing betting games with each other. The guys almost started to get reckless. Luckily, Namjoon and Jin were there to prevent them from wrestling each other," Jimin chuckled amusingly at the thought and squinted his eyes with a smile.
"Gee. How terrific that may have seemed to be for those two..." Valerie agreed and turned to the other side to demonstrate the screenings of the butterflies and plants properly. She bent down on her knees to get a close shot, making a few clicks from her digital camera.
Jimin stared at her quietly and came up beside her. "If you don't mind me asking, what makes you so interested in taking pictures of them?"
Valerie stood up in her standing position and glanced at him calmly. "Memories... The reason why I love to take pictures is not only because I love nature, animals, and the place itself. Mostly, I see beauty... I love the beauty of them all. That's what photography is all about. Even the best moments are the best capture..."
Jimin nodded in understanding and stood next to her where his eyes widened at the golden butterflies glowing around them in amazement. He watched her gasp and giggle when she held the butterfly in her index finger before she flew one right in the air.
"They're so breathtaking, aren't they?" Valerie exclaimed excitedly and clasped her hands together.
"They are..." Jimin murmured in agreement, taking a glance at them in captivation. But he was also secretly looking at her in the corner of his eyes.
…
…
"Your fingerprints were left in my music studio room and you snatched my recording to give it to our former rival group," Jungkook seethed and shrugged off. "I thought you were just more than an ordinary person and I was very interested in you."
"And vandalism, along with the death threats to your friend and my girlfriend, Sally?" Yoongi mentioned and scoffed. "She lost her career because of you."
"I thought it was Namjoon, but it turns out it was you who posted my photos," Hoseok pointed out, giving her a revolting look.
"You went into the security room and edited the footage to make it look like I was trying to assault Jimin's fiancé, Chia. Who does that to break someone's friendship?" Taehyung stated rhetorically.
"It wasn't me!" Valerie retorted back defensively, exhaling her breath out. "You would truly believe what was shown in the video and not inspect carefully?"
"The results have proven the person's identification on where and what time she went to the places, and how she interacted with a bunch of people," Yoongi said as he handed in the document to her.
Valerie gently took it from him and scanned from top to bottom. She was shaking her head in disapproval and lowered the paper down briskly. "An absurdity and a complete sham!"
"You can stop denying it, Valerie," Yoongi said monotonously.
"We've seen enough of what you are, fraud..." Jin stated coldly.
"You're the true definition of the movie that portrays a character who lies and you know who lies...? Good girls," Jungkook remarked as he looked at her in disbelief with a nod.
Valerie stared at him and asked softly. "You're not going to believe what I want to say?"
"Why should that matter? You've done a lot of damage and fancy coming here all the way from New York to Seoul..." Jungkook huffed.
Jimin stepped forward close to her for a moment. He held the Jeju Island group polaroid in front of her face, whereas Valerie was watching him intently.
Without warning, he flings them across her face swiftly, stunning her on the spot. The pictures began to cascade on her boots as she winced a little.
Her teary eyes were flickering alternatingly, then hovered back into his dark pupils when she pleaded with her arm reaching out to her. "Jimin..."
He stepped back and signaled his finger, saying infuriatingly. "The segments depicted in the video have been justified. You've created too many problems between me and my friends these past four months."
Bryan was glaring at her sideways, including Yoongi and the others.
Jimin went on further with his hardened eyes piercing through hers. "Whatever plan you had to reunite us as a sappy group is utterly preposterous. Don't ever come near to me again, nor even dare to speak a word to me because I've had enough of your lies..."
Valerie hitched her breath in as her mouth was slightly trembling, holding her tears back as much as she could. She then watches him turn around, facing his back on her, especially Jin, Jungkook, and Yoongi.
Bryan continued to stare bitterly in the corner of his eyes, saying. "I never even wanted to be here in the first place."
Taehyung uncrossed his arms and turned around to face his back on her as well. He remained quiet for the duration and gave her a disgruntled look.
He remembered the last moment where he scornfully threw the polaroid pictures right across her face, leaving her out in the cold rain.
…
…
The classical piano music was playing in the background, known as “The Moment” by Yiruma. To her bewilderment, she looks around to see many guests joining the dance floor.
"Do you want to?" Jimin queried.
"Um... okay," Valerie murmured shyly and saw his hand being held out in front of her. She made a courtesy move like the other women and the two of them intertwined their hands, dancing rhythmically to the music. She twirled slowly, then leaned down gently while she was staring into Jimin's eyes that were gazing back at her. Her heart stopped for a moment when she started to notice how magnificent they were. They were swaying back and forth while Valerie leaned in forward onto his shoulder, trying to hide the pink tinge on her cheeks.
Everything became stillness between them when he pulled her up slowly in a standing position. Both of them were not breaking eye contact.
There was something that he was searching for and could not point out what it was that captivated him.
Perhaps, it could be a sense of familiarity that he saw in her eyes.
…
…
…
…
He screamed continuously at the top of his lungs and panted uncontrollably once again at the thought of her.
He wanted to save her, just like the rest of them would…
Somewhere in his heart is his biggest regret.313Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyrzVJW27A
