Cinderella

I still remember that day.. A child filled with dreams, happiness and promises..

But never expected to break them.

I didn't mean to break them.. To break him.

We were both 12 years old when it happened.

A couple chose me to live with them and freed me out of the orphanage. Without any word I was dragged out forcefully at the time when the children are sleeping including Cloud.. But when the gates slammed open, Cloud woke up realizing I was gone, he then ran off to follow me , even after the car started moving. The driver continued driving while watching the little boy ran after the car yet it never stopped. The only thing I could do is shout his name at the back car window while tears flooding my eyes.

The last memory I have was him running after our car and tripping in the middle of the road crying.... The first tears he shed.

It was a painful memory bothering me till now, after 14 years of that painful incident.

((3rd POV))

She ran away from home knowing her step parents terrorized her for the past 14 years, they never cared for her existence but instead for their extra money coming from the orphanage, soon enough her step mother died cause of too much alcohol consumption, Y/n's step father held the funeral by himself with rage blaming and hurting Y/n for being with them so for one specific night he left Y/n locked in her room before leaving the house for wealthy reasons. Now Y/n believe it's an oppurtunity to change her path since she gained knowledge and power to live by her own will, not only that but she also built her own motivation. A motivation triggered by Cloud in her Memories , hoping she could meet him again.

She used her bedsheets acting as a rope to escape through the nearest window.

Packed her huge backpack with money she had been hiding for long, valuable items she saved, books and her precious clothes. The bag is a bit heavy but Y/n is strong enough to carry it while climbing down, completing her escape without failure. She squeezed herself into the bushes at the mansions backyard, it leads to the woods unknown to anybody who lives there except for her. Y/n already memorized the whole place cause every night she sneaks in just to venture out the woods and see the stars. With those daily exploration she's already experienced enough to face all the paths as well as the dead ends of the unknown area alone. So now it won't be a nuisance.

Currently walking into a grassy path rustling from bushes, trunks and leaves. Y/n noticed something..Trees are unlikely before cause there are broken trunks laying here and there, huge stones were misplaced and fruits were scattered on the ground. This side of the woods ain't like the usual yet everything's silent till.

"You think you can stop me from here?"

"HAH! I've been searching everywhere for yah my fellow enemy.. You know why I'm here"

"Less talking, more action. Let's make it faster" She heard different kinds of sounds such as muffling, kicking, punching also tripping sounds... Seems like the two strangers behind the bushes in front of her were battling to see who's stronger.

The bushes made a loud noise as she accidentally slipped and tumble herself out of it , fell on the ground and visible to the strangers eyes.

Two guys were fighting in front of her before they suddenly stopped upon seeing how she fell in the middle of their fight.

One guy with the dark red hair, wearing a taekwondo outfit and the other one with the black hair wearing a purple hoodie.

"Oh h-hey" she said with an awkward tone.

"I didn't mean to interrupt an important scene here. Just happen to be looking for a guy named Cloud. Have you heard of that name before?" The two enemies glimpse to each other as if they we're thinking the same thing about the girl . 'She's weird indeed'

"You know. The two of you look amazing together. You should team up and fight side by side than fighting each other like dogs chasing its tail" The korean looking guy seem a bit worried about the girl

"Jin I am letting you off for now, I don't want this innocent citizen losing her safety. She might get involve with this Iron fist tournament of yours" The red haired guy said before dragging the girl out of the scene, leaving his revenge aside. His reason for helping her? Unknown, he doesn't know it himself. He felt like he needs too, that's what he's thinking.

"Iron Fist Tournament?" The girl asked

"Don't ya watch television shows? Are you living in a mountain or something?"

"Well.. No and yes I'm currently living in this mountain. As you can see, this is my room" She pointed inside the cave where her things are scattered on the rocky floor. The guy gave an awkward face expression, surprised by his sarcasm actually being true.

"Ugh this won't really suit you, plus it ain't safe to stay within a tournament map nowadays."

"What do you mean?"

"It's a battle ground missy" the red haired guy with a stoic face turn to face her

"I see... I don't actually have any other option besides staying here. My home disappeared since a long time ago. I've got nowhere else to go" she said upon remembering the orphanage which used to be her home and Clouds face whom used to be her only family.

"I have an idea! Why not join me in my journey?.. To be honest I was disqualified because of you. See?" He pointed upwards to where a holographic screen revealing the word 'Tekken' shows his face as one of the disqualified fighters in the tournament.

"I.. I'm sorry. How can I make it up to you?" She said with a slight disappointment to herself.

"Then how about being my servant?"

"That's too much. Maybe an apprentice will do. I've seen you fight a while ago and you seem very good at it PLUS I do want to learn how to defend myself or probably someone else, IF you're willing to train me Mister... uhmmm" She squeezed her chin with her fingers.

"Hwoarang. You can call me Hwoarang. And you are?"

"Y/n"

"It might be a good idea. Ok then you'll be my apprentice. Just call me Master Hwoarang from now on and oh this is good! Later at night there will be a party but I can't seem to have the courage to attend since it is a Soldiers celebration afterall and I am not a soldier. BUT NO WORRIES! Anyone may join to honor those soldiers fighting for the safety of the citizens"

"So that's why you were thinking about my safety and help me instead of fighting that guy. You're a nice person soooo I'll agree . Master"

"You'll be living with me"

"What? No master. Have you forgotten some obvious things... Hello? Girl and a boy shouldn't be living together NOT TO MENTION , we just met a moment ago"

"Oh right well I live in an apartment and there is an empty room next to mine. Go and rent it. Wait. Do you have money"

"Yes I do have some."

"I guess now I need to take care of you my weird dumb student" he started placing his hand on top of her head while smirking widely.

"Hey I'm not dumb, you'll see" she crossed her arms with a smirk appearing from her face as if she was sure about what might happen in the future.

"Let's get going then. Hop on" Hwoarang sat on a motorcycle with a vacant seat at the back of him, he then gestured for Y/n to ride.

~Meanwhile~

"Wow this place sure is small" Y/n continued looking around while estemating the proper arrangement of her things to the empty room, except for the bed, closet and lampshade .

"The comfort room is small too but good enough for me to feel freedom.. Well yet" Laying on her new bed. Her hand went on top of her chest feeling her heart beating.

"I still feel somewhat incomplete. I felt there might be something out there, calling for me." She closed her eyes allowing herself drift off into sleep.

~~

"Good Morning Y/n" She slightly open her eyes to see who bothered her wonderful dream regarding Cloud

"Hwoarang aren't you going to sleep yet? A lot of things happened today we need to rest , also it's night time"

Y/n squinted her eyes

"I brought this dress for you" Hwoarang lift the hanger up, showing Y/n what he meant.

"Dress?. OH RIGHT THE PARTY!!! I forgot! Wait here." Y/n sprinted towards her bathroom in her pajamas while carrying the dress Hwoarang showed her.

"Don't mess that dress, I just borrowed that from a rich lady nearby and she's so darn picky" Hwoarang shook his head in disbelief remembering the girl living next door.

"Don't worry, I swear I can handle keeping things safe. How else can I survive if not for my survival skills"

"Look who's bragging now. Are you done Ms.Y/n?" Hwoarang sticked his ear towards the bathrooms door, curious if the girl on the other side finished changing.

"Done" She twisted the doorknob and slammed the door in a fast manner. Results? Hwoarangs face planted on the floor , cursing Y/n for being careless.

"Oops sorry"

Hwoarang composed himself as he tried looking up to where Y/n is standing but before he could complain regarding the carelessness , his eyes grew wider instead then all his anger disappeared as if it's completely drained out after seeing how beautiful Y/n wearing the dress he borrowed for her.

"I can't believe I'll say this but you look beautiful" Hwoarang hides his embarrassment yet it increased upon seeing Y/n's reaction. Her face expression reveals the thought that his words were too unbelievable.

"What? I'm telling the truth believe me or not" he immediately turned into the opposite direction, avoiding her glance.

"Well I do believe but it's just that. I never expected to hear that from you master"

"What am I? A robot? I do have a heart ya know now let's go"

~minutes after~

They both entered the halls without hesitation with her hand clinging into Hwoarangs arm , like a complete gentleman he is. The place is like a castle, what to expect from a rental mansion, it was always being rented for parties in particular, according to what Hwoarang said.

Everyone's dressed like prince and princess but the soldiers stand out the most since they were wearing tuxedos with a long cape tied around their shoulders. Most of them dances to the rhythm of music, some were chatting and a few were eating those delightful dishes served in one long golden table.

"Y/n, go and have some fun. Greet whoever soldier approached you" Hwoarang whispered before stepping out to get some free food, leaving Y/n spaced out in a corner.

"This feels awkward" she mumbled to herself knowing how this supposed to be her first time attending an extravagant party.

A few minutes passed by and Y/n finally grew bored standing so she squeezed her way out of the dance hall and into a back door leading towards a small garden.

"At last fresh air or perhaps just a space" she giggled. It might be a garden containing a few plants, grassy floor and two trees however there are walls blocking the light from every corner. The garden is not perfectly clear to regain clear vision, it is a bit dark, she can see a few silhouettes but not clear enough.

"Aren't you supposed to enjoy the party?" A guys voice coming from beihind her suddenly broke Y/n's thoughts.

"Oh! You surprised me" She turn to face wherever she heard him. It's dark , a reason why she can't clearly see the guys face or whatever color his hair or face was but she knows for sure that he got this minty scent around him and not to mention how handsome his voice were.

"Well no one actually asked me for a dance. I am not that attractive afterall" she answered eventhough it is not bright enough to see whoever she's dealing with.

"You did attract me though"

"Pardon?" her hope brighten a bit there before the guy chuckled for a second.

"You did barged in while I was relaxing here so" he explained further and that left a slight embarrassment to Y/n's conscience

"Sorry.. Wait it is not like you own the place. And geez why are you here in the first place? That means you have the same thought as I am. Probably we both need some fresh air. It's my first time attending a party so I kinda felt lost in their. Maybe you felt the sane way? Anyways s-sorry for interrupting." Y/n crossed her arms arguing with the guy in a sarcastic way, to keep the conversation going.

"I don't mind. My partner did left me for a while, so I went out for some fresh air. We're kind of the same"

"We really are the same! Must be destiny" She giggled thinking about their similarities.

They both sighed in unison before they started hearing the music from inside the dance hall.

"Since you are into Destinies and things why don't we give it try?" The guy said in a distance.

"May I have this dance?" The guy seem to bow from a distance lifting his hand waiting for her to take it , yet it seems like his hand is a bit far for her to reach. Although visions a bit dim she still took a few steps before an unexpected thing happened. She accidentally tripped on a laying vine making her fall face first. Luckily she didn't exactly fell on the floor.

They both ended up blushing realizing their position. Y/n was on top of him but that's not the only reason why they were both surprised.

"I... I-I'm sorry!" She stuttered and covered her mouth from the shock before jumping away from him.

"It was an accident I didn't mean to"

"I know. I should be the one to apologize. I asked you for a dance not realizing our distance."

"I-it's okay. It's a bit dark isn't it?" Y/n planted her face on her palm covering the deep shade of red on her whole face which he probably noticed in one glance.

"Is it your first kiss?" Thinking about the accident, he asked that out of concern and worry about the girls mindset.

"I-it's ok really. It's just an accident anyways, plus we just met each other s-so it doesn't count" She tried hiding the blush on her face before she tried composing herself and bringing up a different topic.

"S-so you are a soldier?" She asked while rubbing the back of her head.

"Yes"

"Sooo what makes you wanna pursue this path?"

"I've been searching for someone important. Well she protected me while teaching me how to be happy back then. We did promise each other afterall. Yet things didn't go well and she ended up leaving accidentally. I didn't properly fulfilled my promise cause of that... This time I'll make sure to fulfill my promise and I'll make sure that I'll be the one to protect her instead." It might be dark but Y/n can hear the seriousness and motivation in his voice.

"Sounds a bit familiar" she's now curious whoever the man is to the point where she wanna ask what the promise was.

"What is your promi"

BOOOM

A loud explosion suddenly broke their conversation , followed by people screaming from the dance hall. Smoke surrounded the whole place and gun shots can be heard in the background.

"W-what is happening?"

"A terrorist might be nearby. I knew it! They were planning this party as a bait . It is not safe here anymore. You should exit the mansion through the secret door behind the bushes there "

"W-what about you?!"

"Don't worry about me. This is what they trained us for. Now go. I'm sure all the guest escaped , you need to leave too" he said calmly before pushing her gently. Y/n walk a few steps before she ran back to him holding his hand.

"Sir.. Stay safe, you still owe me a few meals for that first kiss" She said while her mind is praying for his safety. She threat her words as a luck reminding him to stay alive.

"Yeah" he said with reassurance in his voice. Y/n opened the secret door while entering but before she could shut it close, she heard a door slam open, probably the door to the dance hall, suddenly a girls voice can be heard talking to the guy Y/n met .

"I knew you'll be here! Terrorist were attacking from the entrance! Hurry up! This is what happens when you avoid a party. So next time make sure to stay where the crowd is, Okay Cloud?"

"Cloud?" Y/n whispered to herself while pieces were being put together and everything becomes clearer..

Y/n peaked through the door again but they we're gone and the smoke grew larger , she had no choice but to leave.

'I finally met him. Yet destiny drew us apart again? Will I be able to meet him again?'

The moment Y/n set foot outside the mansion, Hwoarang immediately saw Y/n while having an urge to take her into his embrace, he was worried the entire time and now at his limits, he finally wrapped his arms around Y/n

"Do not make your master worry again"

"I'm sorry master"

"Now time to run. There's no point staying in a dangerous area, let's go back home" Hwoarang grabbed her wrist upon running further.

After riding Hwoarangs motorcycle and arriving in front of their apartment.

"Hey master tell me.. Did you happen to hear gossips about the soldiers?"

"Yes I do. I heard the other soldiers backstabbing a soldier named Cloud. It seems he got himself into a top position for doing his best at almost everything, they were supposed to honor Clouds promotion a while ago but things didn't end well. "

"So he did made it" Y/n smiled at the thought.

"Wait don't tell me he's the Cloudy guy you mentioned at the time we first met each other" Her master asked her out of curiosity.

"I'm not sure either. Even if he is that Cloud, what happened earlier proves that I'm not strong enough, just a nuisance to protect. If ever I want to meet him, it should be the time when I can protect him either.. Ok enough about these topics.. We should go into our designated rooms and sleep master" Hwoarang gave her a sincere look while patting her head.

"You really do need my lessons, aren't you? Not for yourself but for that Cloudy guy" Hwoarang smirked

"Well yes. Don't worry, maybe someday it'll be the complete opposite, I'll be the one to teach you master" Y/n smirked back at the playful master.

"Time to go home. Night master"

They headed towards their opposite direction and in to their rooms.

Y/n hurriedly jump on her bed, hugging her pillow before recalling the precious moments with Cloud.

'You did well friend. But it seems Now is my turn to improve myself for you. So wait for me till then'

TO BE CONTINUED