CHAPTER TWO

----------------FLASHBACK-----------------------------

First year of high school, 16 years old. A delicate time in every person's life. It was a time to build relationships and to develop as a person. The class was divided into groups where friends hangout with friends.

Deric was in the popular group. They don't really talk to anyone outside their circle unless necessary. Euri was in the general group. They were usually friends with everyone. They could also be called the class clowns as they brighten up the class atmosphere.

Euri was a bright girl with a contagious laugh. Deric have always thought of Euri as a weird and noisy girl. Their first year was ending, but they still haven't interacted with each other.

Today, however, will be different.

Deric left his car that day because it was broken. He waited for all of his friends to leave before going to the bus stop. When he saw Euri on the bus stop, he wanted to ran away to save his rich-kid dignity. Though before he could even turn around, their eyes met. He thought it would not matter anyway. They weren't even on speaking terms and he could always deny it if she ever spread rumors.

He sat on the opposite edge of the bench. The world seemed to belong to them in that moment. They were the only ones there. The silence was almost deafening.

Suddenly Euri turned to him, "What's your dream?"

"What!?" Deric exclaimed, obviously surprised.

Euri giggled when she saw his expression, "Well, Frederic Monroe. I am Euri Simmons and we're in the same class this whole time, but we haven't really talked to each other… so this is me attempting small talk… what is your dream?"

"Weirdo." Deric mockingly said.

Euri frowned and whined, "Come on. Humor me. The bus takes too long to arrive and I'm bored."

Deric sighed in defeat, "…I don't know… Inherit my father's company, maybe."

"Boo.. you rich-kids are so boring." Euri raised both hands to show a thumbs-down.

Deric faked anger as he clutched his chest, "Wow. I'm so offended. Tell me yours then."

"A teacher. I want to be a teacher." Euri suddenly stood up, determination obvious on her face.

"Ah well… that's underwhelming. I thought that if it's you… You would surely want to be an astronaut or a scientist or something…" Deric shrugged his shoulders with mocking disappointment.

Euri faced him with her hands on her waist, "Well, not just any teacher. I want to be the kind of teacher that would run towards the sunset with my students like in those 90's films. Where we raise our hands up shouting towards the future." Euri smiled cockily at him.

"Good luck with that." Deric sarcastically said as he attempted to mock her further, but when he raised his head and saw her determination, he swallowed his words.

Looking at Euri, with her back against the setting sun and a confident smile on her face. It made her look so bright. So bright… Deric had to squint. She was so beautiful at that moment, he even forgot to breathe and his heart started to beat wildly.

The bus arrived right at that moment. After that day, they never talked again. Deric actually wanted to, but their social circles held him back. Whenever he thought of those days, he felt like smacking himself on the head.

-----------------FLASHBACK END----------------------

Euri gasp in amazement, "Wow! I sounded like a delusional weirdo."

"Not really. Your determination and confidence at that time was really admirable." Deric smiled at her to ease her worries.

This relieved Euri as she inquired further, "So did I really become a teacher?"

"…I wonder… We haven't seen each other for 10 years now actually… anyway, it is late. Let's go home." Deric urgently said as he raised his hand to call for the bill.

A fancy car stopped in front of a big, gray-blue mansion that stood in the middle of a garden. The gray-blue color of the mansion lets out a feeling of masculinity and solitude.

Deric got down and opened the car's door for Euri. Euri was amazed by the size of the house. The place also looked peaceful and beautiful. She can't help it and let out an audible "Whoa!" in amazement.

A middle-aged man was waiting by the door. He seemed to be a butler as his clothing suggested. He greeted Deric with a bow, "Welcome home, Master."

Deric nodded in acknowledgment, "I'm home, Sebastian. Help me prepare an extra room for the night. Also, help me get the stuff down from the car."

"A guest, Master?" Sebastian asked.

Deric pulled Euri into the house without even looking at Sebastian, "Hmmm… I'll be housing a guest for a few days."

Euri waited in the living room as her room was being prepared. She looked around while waiting. She then noticed a picture of Deric at the beach.

Euri smiled gently as she looked at the photo, "This place looked ethereal… Blue sky… clear waters… Where was this?"

"Hawaii." Deric responded simply.

Deric noticed that Sebastian nodded at him from above the staircase. He took it as a sign that the room was ready. He then led Euri to her room.

Deric and Euri stopped in front of the door. Deric then opened the door, "Why don't you rest early for today. Let's talk more tomorrow."

Euri took a step forward, "Okay…Good night."

Deric took a look at her back, "Good night." He closed the door behind her as he whispered, "I'm sorry…"

Euri seemed like she didn't hear him as she did not look back.