Chapter 6. Final Act (2)

"I heard Ronan tried to ask out Bo-kyung."

"Oh my god really! what made him think he can date Bo-kyung."

"I know right!"

Although, it didn't bother me. I've become the school's main talk subject, but I'm not complaining because it was my fault. I have once again gone along the path of despair. No matter, I always end up choosing this path.

||||| Life is about being alone anyway. ||||| 

He had a habit since his school days. In moments when his self-esteem fell Ronan Vercetti would always say "Life is about being alone anyway."

But can I really say that now?

At that moment, someone else was thinking of something

Kang Jiyeon thought to herself "I'm not forcing him. if he ghosts me, I will back away."

Throughout her life, she had always been this way. She had friends and cared for them to some extent, but she was never the type to force relationships. Kang Jiyeon never really understood herself either. Kang Jiyeon was the most introverted person among extraverts and the most extraverted person among introverts. 

Someone who hasn't chosen either side, and deep down very isolated. 

"I will talk to him one last time... If he doesn't give me a genuine answer, I'll give up on him. But if he does I will....."

Kang Jiyeon couldn't even bring herself to think about him.

|||||She never loved someone romantically rather platonically. |||||

"He was just different from the rest, but that doesn't mean he was never annoying."

After school just after the bell rang, Kang Jiyeon approached Ronan who was about to leave. 

"Hey, you are going to tell me what's going on."

She stood before me with ambiguous expression. Oh yeah... Our streak ended.

Streak ended 99. 

Right before it reached 100. 

I couldn't bring myself to look her in the eyes... Sharp pain spread through my chest as my breathing got heavier. 

"You know, I've always admired you, and those 99 days were wonderful. So, thank you for bringing color to my life. "

"What're you saying?" Kang Jiyeon demanded. 

Throughout our friendship, she felt different from other girls. But never once I aimed to her boyfriend. Because I knew that would be the 'end' of our friendship. I had affection towards Kang Jiyeon, but in truth... I wanted to be her best friend nothing less and nothing more. 

I felt students' gaze slowly focusing on us. And right at that moment, Ronan Vercetti felt like he wanted to do something unexpected. 

And right at that moment, I realized what I had to do. 

"I've been using you to escape loneliness for the whole time." I paused.... slowly looking into her eyes, forming a sincere smile. "Thank you for being the victim of my shallow emotions. My final act, this is the small bit of atonement for your sake Kang Jiyeon."

Kang Jiyeon will move on. After all, she is just that kind of person

Although, our interest aligns, we are quite the opposites. Kang Jiyeon would be the night, and I would be the day... 

Before Ronan could leave Kang Jiyeon left. "Maybe in another universe Kang Jiyeon and I could be friends."

I didn't want to go home straight away... I didn't want my little sister to see at this state... My vulnerable state...

I went around the city aimlessly, hoping to waste time. But no matter what, the sharp pain just wouldn't leave. 

||||| I regret it.... I still want to be with you Kang Jiyeon... |||||

Dammit. 

I felt like I wanted to cry but I knew crying about it won't change anything, I felt like I wanted to restart everything.

To be free from disturbance, to sort out my thoughts...

To be free of the pain in my chest, which hadn't subsided. I walked aimlessly through the city streets, trying to outrun the sharp sting of regret.

Under the gentle glow of a starlit sky, a quiet bridge spanning over a calm waterway, lights casting shimmering reflections across the surface. The water, still and serene, seems to reflect my face, my emotions lingering in the air. Nearby, the soft glow of house windows and the full moon shinning down on us, brought life. 

I went down the stairs, lying down in the grassy slope with my headphones plugged. Watching the starlit and the moon. Let it happen.

But even with the music in my ears, the weight of everything pressed down on me. My mind kept going back to her. Ronan took a deep breath and sighed. 

Only time itself, shall heal this wound.

Meanwhile, Kang Jiyeon...

Kang Jiyeon pretended like nothing happened. 

||||| If only I had sent that message, then. |||||

Although she ghosted people herself, she didn't like to be ghosted. Kang Jiyeon had always moved on from things without much difficulty. Did she not feel any emotions? who knows... she could be good at concealing them, far more superior than Ronan. 

But this time, it was different. It was not easy to let go.... Kang Jiyeon blamed Ronan but also blamed herself. More than anyone. 

||||| If only I had sent that message, then. |||||

||||| If only I had sent that message, then. |||||

The sentence that no one else got to read besides Kang Jiyeon. 

"Let's end our streak and not talk anymore."

On one point, she had sent such a message to Ronan but quickly deleted it afterwards. 

Kang Jiyeon hates being compared, she also hates when people have high expectations of her. "Why am I being like this? He just happened to have the same interests as me." she incited herself.

A man stood next to Ronan Vercetti.

 His silhouette dark against the city lights. I didn't care enough to look up—until he raised his hand, gesturing for me to remove my headphones.

What does this man want from me....

"Who are you?" I demanded, trying my best to hide my irritation from my tone.

He stepped out of the darkness, walking over to my side. A man wearing a nice black business suit, rocking a middle part.

He just smiled. "Let's introduce ourselves, shall we? My name is Seojun." 

"I'm Ronan, Ronan Vercetti."

His eyes seemed to flicker for a moment, like he'd heard something that disturbed him. "Alright then, Congratulations on reaching your end. You have successfully completed your final act."

Shivers ran down my spine. What is he saying?  I stood up, my instincts telling me to be wary. 

"What do you mean, my 'final act'?

Seojun didn't respond right away. Instead, he let his words linger, heavy with meaning. "You've completed your story Ronan. You have managed to take the last step of your path."

I narrowed my eyes, not understanding. "You're talking in riddles. Get to the point."

Seojun gave a small chuckle before continuing. "We're with a place called 'Chronos,' and we select those who've managed to take their final steps. People who need a new path- a brand-new life to live. Allow me to give you a second chance."

What is this.... Does he seriously think he's fooling me?

I stared at him, disbelief mingling with a strange curiosity. "What do you mean by second chance?"

"If you accept our offer. You will no longer live as Ronan Vercetti. A new life. A new identity. Everything you've done, everyone you've known- gone. In exchange, we'll give you everything you need. No more loneliness. No more struggling. You'll live however you want."

"Well for a second I believed your stupid prank, well done."

He smiled before saying "This is not a prank."

What?... I was floating midair, my body not wanting to listen to me. 

"This is not a dream either Ronan, please make a wise choice. Do you want to keep living as the most hated person, as a trash. Or do you want to start fresh? A life without any financial problems."

Is this really real?...

I thought about my sister. Would she be better off without me? I could see her in my mind, her bright smile, the way she would look at me with concern every time I shut myself away. Indeed. I will cause nothing but trouble to her.

It wasn't easy, but the decision was clear.

If I say yes, I won't be Ronan anymore.

"Alright. I accept your offer."

"Ouch." he dropped me back on the ground, Seojun's smile widened, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. "Good. We'll make the necessary adjustments. Let's start with your appearance."

I followed him without hesitation, though my mind was reeling. A new face. A new life. Could I really leave everything behind?

"What's my name now?" I asked as Seojun snapped his fingers.

My height of the line of sight went higher.

"Lee Dohyun," he said, handing me a mirror. ( Do (도): Path, way. Hyun (현): Virtuous, wise, or bright.)

I stared at the reflection in disbelief. I looked different. Taller, more muscular, my features less sharp, more... approachable. Black hair, dark pupils and average looking facial features. But deep down, if I looked closely.... I still looked like Ronan Vercetti. Or was it just in my eyes?

"Can I say my final goodbye to my little sister?" 

"No, you must disappear completely and remember If you announce your former identity to anyone there will be terrible consequences."

"What are the consequences?"

He smirked "I cannot tell you that for now."

With that he reached for his pockets, pulling out a black card along with a piece of paper. 

"Goodbye, Ronan Vercetti, contact me anytime you want." Seojun said, his tone final.